Sarith is a 40-year-old gasoline seller from Cambodia. He lives with his family in Kampongcham province. He has one son and one daughter who are both in elementary school. He likes to take his kids to school in the morning and in his free time he enjoys listening to music.
Twelve years ago, Sarith developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him severe irritation, tearing and redness. 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 Sarith learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for two-and-a-half hours by taxi seeking treatment. Sarith 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 August 3rd.
Sarith’s wife shared, “I have always been worried that my husband would have this eye problem forever, and that his sight would not get better. I am so glad we have the opportunity to come to Children’s Surgical Centre.”
