Sor is a 72-year-old married woman from Cambodia who has four sons, one daughter, and two grandchildren. She enjoys reading books and looking after her grandchildren.
Three years ago, Sor developed a cataract in each eye. A cataract occurs when there is a buildup of proteins in the lens of the eye. This causes the lens to become cloudy, disrupting the passage of light through the lens and impairing vision. Most cataracts are due to age-related changes in the eye and account for 50 percent of all cases of blindness worldwide.
Sor is experiencing blurred vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light due to her cataracts. She cannot see clearly or get around easily on her own.
Sor traveled three hours with her nephew to reach Watsi’s medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for treatment of her cataracts. For $292, Sor will undergo small incision cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lenses from her eyes and replace them with intraocular lens implants. Funding for Sor’s treatment also includes two days of hospital care, eye drops and ointments, medicine to reduce pain and prevent infection, and one post-operative consultation.
After surgery, Sor will be able to see clearly again.
