“Num is married with one son, six daughters, and eight grandchildren,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us. “She is a sugar and corn farmer. She spends her free time doing housework and taking care of her grandchildren.”
Num has had a cataract in each eye for the past year. Cataracts form as proteins develop on the lens on the eye, causing it to cloud. The cloudiness in Num’s eye has caused her to go partially blind. As a result it is difficult for her to do work or go outside by herself.
After hearing about the clinic on the radio, Num and her daughter have traveled to CSC to seek treatment. For $225, doctors there can perform an operation to remove the cataracts. In a short, 45-minute procedure doctors will make an incision to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a new, artificial lens in each eye.
Watsi funding will cover the costs of the surgery, supplies, and medicines necessary for the surgery and post-op care. After 1-2 days of recovery, Num will see clearly again.
Num is looking forward to having her vision and independence back. “I hope I can see everything clearly so I can continue my work on the farm and can easily go anywhere outside on my own,” she shares.