Ang is a cashew nut farmer from Cambodia. She is married with one son and one daughter and likes to watch TV.
Ten years ago, Ang developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurred vision, burning, 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Ang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for Three and a half hours seeking treatment. Ang 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 January 21.
She says, "I hope that my eye surgery is successful and makes me able to do my work. I want to go anywhere outside with a better feeling than now."