Sokhom is a mother of five from Cambodia. She has two sons, three daughters, and seven grandchildren. She is a retired primary school teacher who enjoys visiting the local pagoda.
Ten years ago, Sokhom developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her blurred vision, burning eye, tearing, and 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 Sokhom learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Sokhom 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 22.
She says, “I hope this surgery can help me resume my daily independent lifestyle.”