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Success! Sothea from Cambodia raised $253 to fund cataract surgery so she can see clearly again.

Sothea
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Sothea's treatment was fully funded on March 3, 2023.

Photo of Sothea post-operation

January 10, 2023

Sothea underwent cataract surgery so she can see clearly again.

At the recommendation of a neighbor, Sothea and her daughter traveled to Watsi’s medical partner for Sothea’s cataract surgery. Her procedure went well, and she has returned home to continue the healing process! Sothea shared that her vision has already begun to improve. She is thrilled to be more independent now and free of the fear that she could fall if she went out alone. She will also be able to sell food again and help her daughter with the grandchildren.

Sothea’s daughter said: “My mother is so much happier with better vision. She will be able to take walks outside and help me with the house and my children. Thank you to the donors and hospital staff who have made her life better.”

At the recommendation of a neighbor, Sothea and her daughter traveled to Watsi's medical partner for Sothea's cataract surgery. Her procedur...

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October 13, 2022

Sothea is a 55-year-old food vendor. She is a loving mother to two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. Sothea’s husband passed away many years ago, and now she lives with her youngest daughter who works in a garment factory. When she’s not helping her daughter with the house, Sothea likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio.

Three years ago, Sothea developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her tearing, photophobia and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own.

When Sothea learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On October 13th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure.

She said, “After surgery, I hope my vision can improve so I can go outside again without trouble, take care of myself and help my daughter with my grandchildren.”

Sothea is a 55-year-old food vendor. She is a loving mother to two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. Sothea’s husband passed away m...

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Sothea's Timeline

  • October 13, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Sothea was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • October 13, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Sothea received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • October 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Sothea's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 10, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Sothea's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • March 3, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Sothea's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Sothea's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$174
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with cataracts experience decreased vision, discomfort, and irritation. Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing functional blindness. These changes in the lens commonly occur with increasing age and therefore affect elderly people. Cataracts can also be congenital or traumatic.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The decreased vision from cataracts can cause functional blindness. This makes it difficult for the patient to conduct daily activities. Patients often need a family member to help guide and care for them. If the patient is elderly, this often affects a young child in the family. When a grandmother needs help getting around, a young child is often assigned to help with her daily tasks. That child cannot go to school.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In many countries in the developing world, surgical services are inadequate. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally. Even where surgical services are available, barriers to surgery remain, including cost, shortage of human resources, poor infrastructure, and limited awareness about access to available services.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed worldwide. Surgeons remove the cloudy lens and place a clear lens implant in its place.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

A patient's vision can improve to 20/20 within one day after the surgery.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Cataract surgery is highly effective and carries a low risk.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Cataract surgery is available in most areas of Cambodia. However, free surgery is not as widely available.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Some debilitating effects of cataracts can be improved with glasses. When the cataract becomes mature, however, the only definitive treatment is surgical.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.