Ren is married and has three sons, two daughters, and nine grandchildren. She and her husband are retired from farming rice and live with their youngest daughter, who works in a garment factory near their home in Kandal. After retiring from long days outside in the rice paddies, Ren enjoys visiting the local pagoda every day.
Two years ago, Ren developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to have failing vision, and difficulty seeing in bright or low lights. She can no longer walk to her local pagoda for prayers and feels lonely at home. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own.
When Ren learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.
Ren said: “I hope after surgery I can see better. I can go to the pagoda and help my daughter do housework and cook so much more.”