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Success! Mao from Cambodia raised $253 to fund cataract surgery in her left eye.

Mao
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Mao's treatment was fully funded on October 8, 2022.

Photo of Mao post-operation

October 16, 2022

Mao underwent cataract surgery in her left eye.

Mao was glad she took the advice of her relatives to have her cataract removed. She traveled with her daughter to CSC, where she had successful surgery in the Eye Clinic. She stayed overnight in the hospital, rested at home for a few more days, and will apply eyedrops eight times daily for the next couple of weeks to aid in healing. When her eye has completely healed, she will be able to go outside without fear of falling and visit the local pagoda. This will give her more independence and she won’t have to stay home and be lonely.

Mao said: “I am happy I decided to have my operation. I can see better now, and recognize the faces of my family. I have been alone since my husband died many years ago, and my family is very important to me. Thank you to the people who paid for my surgery; you have made me very pleased and grateful.”

Mao was glad she took the advice of her relatives to have her cataract removed. She traveled with her daughter to CSC, where she had succes...

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May 4, 2022

Mao is a retired rice farmer. She is 72-years-old with three daughters, four sons, and many grandchildren. Since her husband passed away during the Khmer Rouge regime, she has lived with her oldest daughter who is a farmer. At home, Mao likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio and visit the community pagoda to cook for the monks.

Three years ago, Mao developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurred vision and trouble seeing in bright or low lights. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, making it difficult to perform her desired activities.

When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.

Says Mao: “I hope after surgery I can see well again. I want to recognize the faces of my relatives, go outside and take care of myself well.”

Mao is a retired rice farmer. She is 72-years-old with three daughters, four sons, and many grandchildren. Since her husband passed away dur...

Read more

Mao's Timeline

  • May 4, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Mao was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • May 4, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Mao received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. 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.

  • May 5, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Mao's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • October 8, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Mao's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 16, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Mao's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 4 donors

Funded by 4 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Mao's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$174
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
  • 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.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.