Sokeam is a 51-year-old street cart merchant from Kompong Thom province in Cambodia. She and her husband have three sons, three daughters, and four grandchildren. Sokeam sells Cambodian fried noodles from her street cart, and her husband helps support the family by working in construction. In her free time, Sokeam likes to listen to the Buddhist radio station and cook for her family.
About two years ago, Sokeam developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Sokeam 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 Sokeam learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On August 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sokeam is able to contribute $75 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $178 more to fund the procedure.
Sokeam says, “I hope that after the surgery, my vision will improve while I’m working, and I won’t have to worry about my eyesight anymore.”
