Phlong is a 77-year-old grandfather from Cambodia with one son, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. “Phlong is a wise man at the pagoda,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “He enjoys reading Buddhist religious books and listening to the monks pray.” “One year ago Phlong developed a cataract in each eye,” CSC explains. Phlong’s condition causes him to be partially blind and experience pain and tearing. Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye clouds, subsequently obscuring vision and causing functional blindness. 90% of blindness cases in Cambodia could be avoided through proper treatment. While surgical services are available, access barriers such as cost, infrastructure, and limited awareness about available services pose challenges in receiving appropriate care. For $225, Phlong will undergo cataract removal surgery in each of his eyes. During each operation, the cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with an artificial substitute. Following surgery, Phlong will be able to see clearly again. Phlong shares, “I hope my eyes can see clearly again so I can easily recognize faces, read letters, and walk anywhere by myself.”