Lin is a 42-year-old tuk tuk driver from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is married with one son and one daughter. Lin recently started driving a tuk tuk for a local app-based transportation company. In his free time, he likes to take walks with his family and listen to music on his phone.
Ten years ago, Lin developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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. As a result, he has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside.
When Lin learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for an hour seeking treatment. On September 6th, Lin will undergo 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 $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Lin shared, “I hope, after surgery, my eye won’t bother me so I can drive my tuk tuk more and support my family.”
