Sok is a fisherman from Cambodia. He has four sons, three daughters, and 20 grandchildren. He likes to listen to monks pray on the radio and read about Buddha.
A year ago, Sok developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing him blurry vision, clouded lenses, and photophobia. 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 learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sok 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 January 8.
He says, “I hope I can see clearly after the surgery so I can help the monks clean the pagoda and so that I can recognize the faces of my grandchildren.”