Sopheap is a fish vendor from Cambodia. She has five sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren. She likes to chat with her neighbors when not working.
Three years ago, Sopheap developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and irritation. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Sopheap learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sopheap 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 her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for November 12.
She says, “I hope my eye surgery is successful so I can continue my business selling fish and I can ride my bike.”

