Sarith is a 64-year-old construction worker from Kampong Thom province. He is married and has three sons and two daughters. In his free time, he likes to watch the news on this phone. About one year ago, Sarith developed a cataract in his right eye, causing his 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 her own. When Sarith learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 2nd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. He can contribute $15, but needs help raising $248 more to fund his procedure and care. Sarith said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see clearly, I can go back to working, and I can recognize and go far well, and I won’t worry about my eyes anymore."

Nim is a 58-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Thom province in Cambodia. She divorced and has one daughter and three grandchildren. Nim lives with her daughter who is a rice farmer. She likes to listen to the monks pray at the pagoda. About three years ago,, Nim developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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, wind or dust and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Nim learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Nim needs a surgical procedure to remove the affected conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. Nim is contributing towards the cost of her treatment, but needs help raising $286 more to fund the surgery, that is scheduled for June 9th. Nim says: "I hope that after surgery my eye will stop tearing and the irritation will disappear. I look forward to going back to helping my daughter in taking care my grandchildren, and also visit places."

Kelemua is a hardworking widow from Ethiopia who, at 80 years old, still supports her five sons by farming the land. However, she is losing her independence because of severe cataracts. Her vision is severely clouded, causing light sensitivity and making it difficult for her to move around safely. Her daily farm work and household chores now pose a risk of injury with her limited eyesight. And she is no longer able to contribute to the family’s income or do the work she loves. Two years ago, Kelemua developed a cataract in both eyes, causing her pain, blurry vision, and tearing. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. Fortunately, Kelemua is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery on June 10th, when surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens in both eyes. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly and resume her daily activities. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $300 to fund her procedure. "My greatest hope is to regain my sight so I can move around safely again. I miss working on the farm and helping out at home, and I want to get back to contributing to my family’s life," said Kelemua.