Vannary is a 64-year-old teacher from Cambodia. She has four children and seven grandchildren, and she enjoys watching the news on television in her free time.
Four years ago, Vannary developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her irritation and tearing. 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 Vannary learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Vannary 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 April 22.
She says, “I hope that after my surgery, I will be able to see clearly and will no longer have any tearing or irritation.”
