Sreang is a 38-year-old tuk tuk driver from Cambodia. He is the youngest son in a seven sibling family. When he is not driving his tuk tuk he enjoys playing on his phone.
Six years ago, Sreang developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, unhappiness with his appearance. 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 Sreang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. Sreang 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 6th.
“I hope that my eye irritation will go away and I can drive my tuk tuk for my daily income,” Sreang said.