Vanna is a farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons. She likes to listen to classical music.
Two years ago, Vanna developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, and photophobia. 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 Vanna learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Vanna 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 October 16.
She says, “I look forward to return to working after the operation.”