Sey is a factory worker from Cambodia. She has two brothers and three sisters. She enjoys watching Thai films and spending time with her friends.
A year ago, Sey developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, itching, and photophobia. 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 anywhere outside.
When Sey learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sey 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for October 2.
She says, "I hope I have no more pterygium problems so I can continue my work as a factory worker and I can go to the farm easily by myself."