Chantha is a farmer from Cambodia. She has three daughters, one son, and five grandchildren. She enjoys watching Indian TV dramas.
A year ago, Chantha developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her blurred vision and irritation. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Chantha learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Chantha 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 her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for July 4.
She says, “I hope I can see better after the operation so I can return to work at the farm.”