Sok Eng is a 29-year-old garment factory worker from Cambodia. He has two sons, and enjoys watching the news on television in his free time.
One year ago, Sok Eng developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him irritation 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 Sok Eng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Sok Eng 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 August 14.
He says, "I hope that I will be able to see more clearly and my eyes will look better so that I can return to work."