"It is hard to see everything or read books clearly,” says 69-year-old Chhan, a husband, father, and grandfather from Cambodia who developed cataracts in each eye six months ago. “I can't do any work well or go outside on my own." A cataract is a thickened, cloudy lens. Over time, the altered lens loses its ability to focus light properly. “This causes Chhan blurred vision, pain, irritation, and tearing,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us. Cataracts account for 50 percent of all cases of blindness worldwide, and formation typically occurs in both eyes, as Chhan is experiencing. For $225, Chhan will have surgery to remove the cloudy lenses from both of his eyes and replace them with artificial lenses. Funding for Chhan’s treatment also includes post-operative follow-up care. After surgery, “Chhan will be able to see clearly again,” says CSC. Chhan looks forward to having his vision restored so that he resume the activities that he enjoys—reading the Bible, listening to news on the radio, and listening to the monks pray at the pagoda. "I hope my eyes can see everything clearly again,” he shares.

50-year-old Kyomugisha lives in a small village in Uganda with her husband and their nine children, five of whom are still in school. Kyomugisha stays at home to take care of the house and children, and her husband works as a casual laborer doing odd jobs in the community. She has a kitchen garden where she cuts bananas for her family and fetches water from a stream eight kilometers away. Kyomugisha has a goiter, or an enlarged thyroid. The swelling causes severe pain, difficulty breathing and eating, and palpitations. The pain from the goiter began in 1998, according to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). At the time, Kyomugisha could not afford the necessary surgery. Once she learned about the Watsi partnership at Nyakibale Hospital, she came to seek medical assistance. $170 will fund Kyomugisha’s thyroidectomy, which will remove the goiter and allow her to recover fully. “She will be free from the pain, palpitations, and be able to work well,” says AMHF. “I am scared of surgery but because I hope to be strong afterwards, I am encouraged that it will go well,” shares Kyomugisha.