Sav is a retired farmer from Cambodia. She has one daughter and four grandchildren. She likes listening to monks pray on the radio and spending time with her family.
Three years ago, Sav developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurred vision, pain, and sensitivity to light. 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 Sav learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sav 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 December 11.
Her daughter says, “I hope my mother can see like before and I won’t worry about her so much.”