Sarat is a 32-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He has five older brothers who are all married. Sarat lives with his mother, who is a Khmer noodle seller. He told us how much he enjoys watching agricultural programming on his phone when he has the time.
Five years ago, Sarat developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him redness, irritation, tearing, and discomfort with his appearance. 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 Sarat learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours with his brother seeking treatment. On November 27th, Sarat will undergo 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Sarat shared, “I hope after surgery that my eye is comfortable again and I won’t have to worry anymore about it disturbing my work and productivity.”
