Hla is a 68-year-old from Burma. She lives in a refugee camp in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. In June 2026, she moved from her home in Burma to live with her daughter's family in Thailand due to ongoing conflict in Burma. She travelled with her five-year-old granddaughter, the daughter of her son, whose mother has passed away and whose father lost contact with the family. Hla and her daughter are homemakers, while her son-in-law works as an agricultural day labourer. Hla’s right eye is severely blurred, limiting her vision to within one meter. A few days ago, her left eye also became slightly blurry, though it remains much better than her right. She feels unsteady and off-balance when walking. She was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Hla. As her right eye is more severe, she will undergo surgery for her right eye first. On August 14, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Hla's natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Hla shared, “I try my best to stay positive. I am a happy person, despite my eye problem. I am happy that I get to meet BCMF, who are willing to help me.”

Yet is a retired rice farmer from Kandal province, Cambodia. She is an 87-year-old widow; her husband, two sons, and one daughter died in the Khmer Rouge’s region. Now, she lives with her niece and her sister. Yet likes to listen to the monk pray on the radio. About one year ago, Yet developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Yet learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 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 $263 procedure. Yet said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, so I can easily recognize relatives and go around, and I want to help my sister sell bananas."

Sokhen is a 59-year-old retired policeman from Cambodia. He is married and has one son and one daughter. He lives with his wife, who sells flowers. In his free time, Sokhen likes to grow vegetables and flowers. About three years ago, Sokhen developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Sokhen learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Sokhen can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to help fund his procedure and care. Sokhen said, "I hope after surgery, I can see better so I can easily drive my motorcycle, go to far places, and recognize faces."