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Success! Han from Cambodia raised $229 to fund cataract surgery so she can see clearly.

Han
100%
  • $229 raised, $0 to go
$229
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Han's treatment was fully funded on January 29, 2021.

Photo of Han post-operation

February 1, 2021

Han underwent cataract surgery so she can see again.

Han’s surgery went smoothly and her sight has been restored. She will now rest at home and apply eye drops several times per day to prevent infection. Han’s husband is very happy that his wife can see everything clearly and that she can now return to her daily routine, able to go anywhere outside that she wants. He is happy that he no longer has to worry about her or her vision loss.

Han said, “I can see well and this makes me feel happy. I’m now able to recognize relatives and do housework, and can take care of my family.”

Han's surgery went smoothly and her sight has been restored. She will now rest at home and apply eye drops several times per day to prevent ...

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December 21, 2020

Han is a 48-year-old mother-of-two from Cambodia. She is a rice farmer and has two daughters. Han lives with her husband who is also a farmer and their youngest daughter. Han enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio when she has the time.

Two years ago, Han developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurred vision, photophobia, irritation, and pain. This has made life and independence more challenging for her.

When Han learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours with her husband seeking treatment. On December 21st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure.

Han said, “I want to have clear sight to help my husband in the rice field, earning more money to support our family.”

Han is a 48-year-old mother-of-two from Cambodia. She is a rice farmer and has two daughters. Han lives with her husband who is also a farme...

Read more

Han's Timeline

  • December 21, 2020
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Han was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • December 21, 2020
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Han 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 22, 2020
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Han's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 29, 2021
    FULLY FUNDED

    Han's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 1, 2021
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Han's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $229 for Han's treatment
Hospital Fees
$48
Medical Staff
$141
Medication
$0
Supplies
$40
  • 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.

Michelle

Michelle is a young child with a sweet smile. She is the firstborn of a two-child family. Her parents are modest farmers who grow potatoes and vegetables primarily for their own family's consumption. Additionally, they run a small kiosk out of their home, but its limited earnings are insufficient to cover their basic needs. Michelle is presently enrolled in nursery school at a nearby public school. Michelle had a normal cold when she visited our medical facility. She was gasping loudly while inhaling and coughing frequently. Since last year, Michelle has been ill. Her mother noticed that whenever she had a cold, she would frequently complain of a sore throat and cough a lot. She also have a hard time sleeping, has trouble breathing, and has difficulty feeding because she always breathes through her mouth. Michelle has to wear extra warm clothing to stay warm during the colder months because her nose always gets congested, which is hard for her. She has been an inactive child as she is always tired. Her sleep patterns are constantly off, and she easily nods asleep during the school day, which has a negative impact on how well she does academically. Due to recurring tonsil infections that are resistant to therapy, Michelle has been in and out of the hospital several times. During her last visit, the doctor examined her and realized that her tonsils and adenoids had hypertrophied. She has been diagnosed with grade three tonsils, and since she was not responding to any medication, the doctor advised them to have surgery, which would provide a lasting, long-term solution to her problem. Michelle's parents have medical insurance, but in the last three months, they did not manage to pay their monthly subscriptions as they were low on income. Their coverage is in arrears, and unfortunately, it will not cover her procedure. She requires $714 for her surgery to be done, and her parents are appealing to all well-wishers reading her story to assist her in getting her surgery. Michelle's mother says, “My daughter has really suffered over a long period of time. She has taken numerous drugs without any noticeable change in her, and this has me very concerned. I want her to be able to have a regular life and do well in school. Please assist her so that she can eventually realize her goals."

45% funded

45%funded
$328raised
$386to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.