Yang is a 46-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She and her husband have two children and one baby grandchild. The family all live together and work on their farm. She has been busy taking care of the grandchild, but during her free time away from work she likes to listen to the radio or watch dramas on TV.
Two years ago, Yang developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and constant irritation. 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 Yang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two-and-a-half hours by taxi seeking treatment. Yang 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for July 6th.
Yang shared, “This eye problem has been with me for a long time and I wish I could feel comfortable with my eye again. I hope I can have good vision and work well and take care of my family.”
