Sopheary is a factory worker from Cambodia. He likes browsing Facebook and hanging out with his friends.
About five years ago, Sopheary developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing him itchiness 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 Sopheary learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Sopheary 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for October 9.
His friend says, “I hope my friend can fix his eye so it’s easier for him to work.”