Oeun is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He has two daughters, four sons, and eight grandchildren. He likes to listen to the news on the radio.
Three years ago, Oeun developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing him blurry vision, photophobia, 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Oeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. Oeun 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 October 1.
He says, "I hope I can see well after the operation."