Sokhom is a 49-year-old farmer. She is married and has two sons and three daughters. Sokhom’s children are all in school. At home Sokhom enjoys watching Thai dramas on TV.
Five years ago, Sokhom developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her irritation, itchiness, and tearing. 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 places outside.
When Sokhom learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sokhom 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 24th.
Sokhom said, “I hope after surgery my eye feels comfortable so I can go to work in the rice field with my husband again.”