Chhunang is a blacksmith from Cambodia. He has two daughters and enjoys checking his Facebook.
One year ago, Chhunang developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing him blurry vision, itchiness, and watery eyes. 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Chhunang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for 30 minutes seeking treatment. Chhunang 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 his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 7.
His wife says, “I hope my husband can get better so he can keep his job.”