Touch is an 84-year-old grandmother from Cambodia. She spends her days taking care of the yard at her home and listening to monks pray at the local pagoda. She is mother to one son and two daughters, and grandmother to four grandchildren.
“Three years ago, Touch developed a cataract in each eye,” explains our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “This causes her to be partially blind and experience tearing and itchiness.”
Cataracts develop when the clear lens of the eye becomes clouded by protein buildup. They are responsible for 51% of blindness worldwide, despite being easily treated with a simple procedure. This procedure involves making an incision in the eye and replacing the clouded lens with a new, artificial one.
“It is hard to go walking by myself or do any work,” Touch tells CSC.
For $225, Touch will receive cataract surgery, a hospital stay, and follow-up care to ensure proper healing. After this procedure, Touch will be able to see clearly once more and return to her daily life.
“I hope my mother can see everything clearly again,” Touch’s daughter says. “I hope I won’t be worried anymore about her eyes becoming worse.”