Rathana is a 45-year-old police officer from Cambodia. He has two children and enjoys reading the newspaper.
Five years ago, Rathana developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing him irritation and redness. 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Rathana learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Rathana 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 his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for February 18.
He says, "I hope that after my surgery I can return to my normal activities and go back to work."