Brok is a 60-year-old grandmother. She and her husband are rice farmers from Prey Veng province, three and a half hours from the capital of Phnom Penh. They have two daughters and three young grandchildren. Brok works long hours outside in the bright sun, while one of her daughters stays home to manage the house and watch the children. At home, she enjoys watching Khmer dramas on the television.
About a year ago, Brok developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurred vision and difficulty seeing in low or bright light. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. This vision loss can make it difficult for older adults to engage in social activities, watch television, or even recognize faces, which can lead to isolation and loneliness.
When Brok learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 6th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Brok can contribute $50 but needs help to raise $203 more to fund her procedure.
Brok said: “I feel bad because it is hard to see when I go out and I can’t go to plant rice. I hope after my operation I can go outside again to help my family.”

