Prek is electronics vendor from Cambodia. He has a daughter and a grandchild. He likes to spend time at home.
Twenty years ago, Prek developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him blurry vision, a red eye, 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Prek learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Prek 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 his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for July 16.
He says, “I hope my surgery is successful so I can return to work and I won’t have any more eye discomfort.”
