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Success! Theng from Cambodia raised $253 to fund cataract surgery.

Theng
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Theng's treatment was fully funded on February 1, 2023.

Photo of Theng post-operation

February 13, 2023

Theng underwent cataract surgery.

Theng was unhappy she could not see well enough to cook or help clean her daughter’s house. A villager told her about our medical partner CSC’s eye program, where she traveled for diagnosis and treatment. After her surgery, she rested for a few days at home and applied eye drops to decrease any risk for infection. When her eyesight stabilizes, she will be able to return to her daily activities and care for her grandchildren, which is a highlight of her life.

Theng’s daughter said, “We are very happy my mother can see again. She can help me with housework and cooking, and do things for herself she could not do before. She feels more useful to my family, and she is happier. Thank you to the people who donated so she can enjoy her life again.”

Theng was unhappy she could not see well enough to cook or help clean her daughter's house. A villager told her about our medical partner CS...

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September 6, 2022

Theng is a loving mother to two sons, three daughters, and six grandchildren. Theng’s husband passed away many years ago, so she lives with her oldest daughter who is a cleaner in a local establishment. When she’s not helping her daughter with the house or grandchildren, Theng likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio.

Five years ago, Theng developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her tearing, photophobia and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own.

When Theng learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, Theng will be able to see clearly. Now, CSC is helping Theng raise $253 to fund this procedure.

Theng shared, “After surgery, I hope my vision can improve so I can go outside again without trouble, take care of myself and help my daughter with my grandchildren.”

Theng is a loving mother to two sons, three daughters, and six grandchildren. Theng's husband passed away many years ago, so she lives with ...

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Theng's Timeline

  • September 6, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Theng was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • September 6, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Theng received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • September 9, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Theng's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 1, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Theng's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 13, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Theng's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 4 donors

Funded by 4 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Theng's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$174
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with cataracts experience decreased vision, discomfort, and irritation. Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing functional blindness. These changes in the lens commonly occur with increasing age and therefore affect elderly people. Cataracts can also be congenital or traumatic.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The decreased vision from cataracts can cause functional blindness. This makes it difficult for the patient to conduct daily activities. Patients often need a family member to help guide and care for them. If the patient is elderly, this often affects a young child in the family. When a grandmother needs help getting around, a young child is often assigned to help with her daily tasks. That child cannot go to school.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In many countries in the developing world, surgical services are inadequate. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally. Even where surgical services are available, barriers to surgery remain, including cost, shortage of human resources, poor infrastructure, and limited awareness about access to available services.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed worldwide. Surgeons remove the cloudy lens and place a clear lens implant in its place.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

A patient's vision can improve to 20/20 within one day after the surgery.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Cataract surgery is highly effective and carries a low risk.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Cataract surgery is available in most areas of Cambodia. However, free surgery is not as widely available.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Some debilitating effects of cataracts can be improved with glasses. When the cataract becomes mature, however, the only definitive treatment is surgical.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Michelle

Michelle is a young child with a sweet smile. She is the firstborn of a two-child family. Her parents are modest farmers who grow potatoes and vegetables primarily for their own family's consumption. Additionally, they run a small kiosk out of their home, but its limited earnings are insufficient to cover their basic needs. Michelle is presently enrolled in nursery school at a nearby public school. Michelle had a normal cold when she visited our medical facility. She was gasping loudly while inhaling and coughing frequently. Since last year, Michelle has been ill. Her mother noticed that whenever she had a cold, she would frequently complain of a sore throat and cough a lot. She also have a hard time sleeping, has trouble breathing, and has difficulty feeding because she always breathes through her mouth. Michelle has to wear extra warm clothing to stay warm during the colder months because her nose always gets congested, which is hard for her. She has been an inactive child as she is always tired. Her sleep patterns are constantly off, and she easily nods asleep during the school day, which has a negative impact on how well she does academically. Due to recurring tonsil infections that are resistant to therapy, Michelle has been in and out of the hospital several times. During her last visit, the doctor examined her and realized that her tonsils and adenoids had hypertrophied. She has been diagnosed with grade three tonsils, and since she was not responding to any medication, the doctor advised them to have surgery, which would provide a lasting, long-term solution to her problem. Michelle's parents have medical insurance, but in the last three months, they did not manage to pay their monthly subscriptions as they were low on income. Their coverage is in arrears, and unfortunately, it will not cover her procedure. She requires $714 for her surgery to be done, and her parents are appealing to all well-wishers reading her story to assist her in getting her surgery. Michelle's mother says, “My daughter has really suffered over a long period of time. She has taken numerous drugs without any noticeable change in her, and this has me very concerned. I want her to be able to have a regular life and do well in school. Please assist her so that she can eventually realize her goals."

45% funded

45%funded
$328raised
$386to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.