Sophea is a 27-year-old phone seller from Cambodia. She is a single mother to one son. To earn an income for their family, she sells mobile phones at the market. In her free time she enjoys being with her son and playing on Facebook on her phone.
Seven years ago, Sophea developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her irritation, tearing, and feeling uncomfortable going outside. 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 Sophea learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Sophea 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 30th.
“I hope that my irritation will go away and I will be able to see everything better with no tearing. I can go outside with my little one and continue selling phones at the market.” shared Sophea.
