Tum is an electrician from Cambodia. He has one sister and five brothers. He is the youngest in the family. He likes to play volleyball in his free time.
Two years ago, Tum developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him irritation and blurred vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Tum learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for five hours seeking treatment. Tum needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 7.
He says, “I hope I can return to work soon after my eye has healed.”