This is Phon, a 67-year-old married woman from Cambodia. “She spends her time doing house work and visiting the pagoda to listen to the monks pray,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us.
“Four months ago Phon developed a cataract in each eye,” reports CSC. A cataract occurs when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy from a buildup of proteins. This cloudiness has accumulated over time, and has slowly deteriorated Phon’s vision. If left untreated, she could completely lose her ability to see.
Due to this condition, Phon has experienced blurred vision, tearing and sensitivity to bright light. “She can’t see anything clear or well, work well, or go outside easily,” CSC explains.
Phon traveled an hour with her husband to reach CSC for proper medical care. With $225, doctors at CSC will perform an operation to remove the cloudy lenses in both of Phon’s eyes and replace them with new, artificial lenses. Within one day of her procedure, Phon will be able to see clearly again.
Phon is very excited for her treatment. “I hope my eyes can see everything so I can easily do my housework well and I can easily go anywhere outside by myself,” Phon says.