Watsi

Success! Rithsamoeun from Cambodia raised $398 to fund cataract surgery.

100%

$398 raised, $0 to go

$398

raised

to go

Fully funded

Rithsamoeun's treatment was fully funded on May 1, 2018.

Rithsamoeun's story
Rithsamoeun's update

Photo of Rithsamoeun post-operation

March 8, 2018

Rithsamoeun underwent cataract surgery.

Rithsamoeun has returned home after a successful operation. As per his doctor’s instructions, he had one eye done, and will need to return in a few weeks to have surgery on the other eye. Surgery will allow him to work and go about daily life with improved vision. His doctor looks forward to seeing him again in a couple weeks.

He says, “I hope I can see clearly so that I can continue my work in my village again with the improved vision.”

Rithsamoeun has returned home after a successful operation. As per his doctor's instructions, he had one eye done, and will need to return i...

March 4, 2018

Rithsamoeun is a government worker from Cambodia. He has two sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren.

Five years ago, Rithsamoeun developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurred vision and photophobia. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside.

When Rithsamoeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for half an hour seeking treatment. On March 5, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $398 procedure.

He says, “I hope I can see everything clearly after the surgery. I want to continue my work as chief of my village again with improved vision.”

Rithsamoeun is a government worker from Cambodia. He has two sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Five years ago, Rithsamoeun deve...

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Rithsamoeun's case was submitted by Christine Jacobson at Children's Surgical Centre in Cambodia.

Rithsamoeun's Timeline

March 4, 2018
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Rithsamoeun was submitted by Christine Jacobson, Stakeholder Relations Officer at Children's Surgical Centre, our medical partner in Cambodia.
March 05, 2018
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Rithsamoeun received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
March 06, 2018
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Rithsamoeun's profile was published to start raising funds.
March 08, 2018
TREATMENT UPDATE
Rithsamoeun's treatment was successful. Read the update.
May 01, 2018
FULLY FUNDED
Rithsamoeun's treatment was fully funded.

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Funded by 7 donors

Treatment

Cataract - Two Eyes

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $398 for Rithsamoeun's treatment

Hospital Fees

$88

Medical Staff

$230

Medication

Supplies

$80

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with cataracts experience decreased vision, discomfort, and irritation. Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing functional blindness. These changes in the lens commonly occur with increasing age and therefore affect elderly people. Cataracts can also be congenital or traumatic.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The decreased vision from cataracts can cause functional blindness. This makes it difficult for the patient to conduct daily activities. Patients often need a family member to help guide and care for them. If the patient is elderly, this often affects a young child in the family. When a grandmother needs help getting around, a young child is often assigned to help with her daily tasks. That child cannot go to school.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In many countries in the developing world, surgical services are inadequate. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally. Even where surgical services are available, barriers to surgery remain, including cost, shortage of human resources, poor infrastructure, and limited awareness about access to available services.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed worldwide. Surgeons remove the cloudy lens and place a clear lens implant in its place.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

A patient's vision can improve to 20/20 within one day after the surgery.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Cataract surgery is highly effective and carries a low risk.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Cataract surgery is available in most areas of Cambodia. However, free surgery is not as widely available.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Some debilitating effects of cataracts can be improved with glasses. When the cataract becomes mature, however, the only definitive treatment is surgical.

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