Sinea is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons, three daughters, and five grandchildren. She likes to watch Khmer dramas and go on walks.
Five years ago, Sinea developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her photophobia, and eye 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 Sinea learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Sinea 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 June 4.
She says, “I look forward to getting back to work after my surgery is successful.”
