Kimleang is a vegetable farmer from Cambodia. She has three daughters, two sons, and six grandchildren. She likes to listen to monks pray on the radio and go to the pagoda in her free time.
Three years ago, Kimleang developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision 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 Kimleang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. Kimleang 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 3.
Her daughter says, “I hope my mom can see better after the operation so she can return to work.”