Noun is a 38-year-old car repairman from Cambodia. He has two sons, and in his spare time he likes to play soccer with his friends.
One year ago, Noun developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, irritation, and tearing. 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 Noun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Noun 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 5.
He says, “I hope that after my surgery, my eyes will heal and I will be able to return to my work as a repairman.”