Heab is a garment factory worker from Cambodia. She has six children, seven grandchildren, and enjoys listening to music on the radio in her free time.
Five years ago, Heab developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Heab learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Heab 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 May 1.
Her husband says, “I hope that after surgery, my wife will be able to see clearly and can return to her work.”