Zaw is a 52-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife and two children. He used to work as a taxi driver, and his wife has a small business buying and selling clothes. Their combined income is usually enough for the family.
About four years ago, Zaw was diagnosed with a cataract in both eyes. He underwent corrective surgery. Not long after his surgery, he started to have blurry vision in his left eye. He visited the same ophthalmologist and was diagnosed with retinal detachment.
This condition has a great impact on his work, as he doesn’t dare to drive anymore. His loss of vision has started to become a financial burden for his family.
Zaw learned of a former eye patient who was sponsored by our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). That patient was treated for the same retinal detachment problem and can now see clearly. Zaw decided to make the seven-hour journey to Mae Tao Clinic, BCMF’s care center.
BCMF is requesting $1,500 to fund Zaw’s eye surgery. The funding includes a three-day hospital stay and transportation back home from the hospital.
“I look forward to getting better and driving my taxi again. My children are still in school, and I want to be able to support them,” says Zaw.