In is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two daughters, two sons, and eight grandchildren. She enjoys reading about Buddha in her spare time.
One month ago, In developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her photophobia, eye irritation, and blurred vision. 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 In learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. In 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 March 12.
Her niece says, “My aunt has difficulty seeing and recognizing people’s faces and she is unable to go about an independent life. We are worried about her vision.”