Phonny is a 51-year-old farmer from rural Cambodia. He grows several crops, including beans and cashews. He also raises pigs. He and his wife have two sons together and his whole family works alongside him in the farming. When he is not farming he likes to walk through his village and visit with his friends, bringing them gifts from his farm.
One year ago, Phonny developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurred vision, tearing, and photophobia. His vision has become worse in the past two months.. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside.
When Phonny learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for many hours by taxi seeking treatment. On June 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure.
Phonny said, “Now I can’t work easily, because I can’t see what I am doing. It is hard to feed my animals, and recognize where I am going when I walk around. I hope my vision is better so that I can do these things again.”
His wife said, “I want him to be more independent again, and go to visit his friends by himself. I am worried that his vision will be bad forever now.”