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Success! Narith from Cambodia raised $292 to fund cataract surgery.

Narith
100%
  • $292 raised, $0 to go
$292
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Narith's treatment was fully funded on January 11, 2017.

Photo of Narith post-operation

February 1, 2017

Narith underwent successful cataract surgery.

Narith’s eye cataract was successfully removed from her right eye, and clear vision has been restored. Following the operation, she was given eye drops to reduce inflammation and fight infection.

Narith says, “I feel very happy that I can see everything clearly again because I want to feed my animals. And now I can go anywhere by myself.”

Narith's eye cataract was successfully removed from her right eye, and clear vision has been restored. Following the operation, she was give...

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December 20, 2016

Narith is a 43-year-old potato farmer who is married and has one son and one daughter. She likes to chat with her neighbors in her free time.

Three years ago, Narith developed a cataract in each eye, causing her blurred vision and extreme sensitivity to light. She has difficulty seeing things clearly and working.

When Narith learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 20, doctors performed a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, Narith will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs help to fund this $292 procedure.

“I hope that I can see everything more clearly,” says Narith, “so that I can feed my cows and chickens. I can also earn money to support my family and go anywhere by myself.”

Narith is a 43-year-old potato farmer who is married and has one son and one daughter. She likes to chat with her neighbors in her free time...

Read more

Narith's Timeline

  • December 20, 2016
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Narith was submitted by Lindsay Bownik, Stakeholder Relations Officer at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • December 20, 2016
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Narith 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.

  • December 31, 2016
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Narith's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 11, 2017
    FULLY FUNDED

    Narith's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 1, 2017
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Narith's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 8 donors

Funded by 8 donors

Treatment
Cataract - Two Eyes
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $292 for Narith's treatment
Hospital Fees
$187
Medical Staff
$100
Medication
$5
Supplies
$0
  • 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.

Dollores

Dollores is a hardworking 59-year-old woman from Philippines. She was an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, and then worked as a call center agent. Unfortunately, in October 2022, she was dismissed from her job due to being medically unfit. Now, she lives with her daughter and family, and the sole breadwinner is her son-in-law, who works in finance. In June 2022, Dollores noticed a mass on her right breast. At her initial examination, she was told that the mass was benign, but in a follow-up biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. A mastectomy, or a surgery to remove breast tissue, has been recommended to remove the cancer and prevent it from metastasizing. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Dollores receive treatment. On January 7th, she will undergo a mastectomy at WSFP's care center. After treatment, Dollores will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Dollores needs help raising $1,058 to cover the remaining cost of her procedure and care. Dollores shared tearfully, "your help brings relief to my heart and mind. This will ease my worries, especially about the medical bill. I believe that there's a reason why you're saving me, and that's for me to continue with my life. Thank you, WATSI and World Surgical Foundation Philippines! I hope to give back the help that you've given me."

34% funded

34%funded
$368raised
$690to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.