Samnang is a 44-year-old electrician from Cambodia. He was recently married; he and his wife work at the same garment factory in Phnom Penh. They are looking forward to starting a family.
Two years ago, Samnang developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him Irritation, sun burning, and blurry vision. 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 Samnang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Samnang 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for May 08.
Samnang’s wife said, “It is sad that he can’t come to work with me everyday, and we struggle without his income, so I really hope the doctor can repair his eye.”