Pov is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has one son, one daughter, and one granddaughter. She likes to watch Khmer dramas on TV.
Ten years ago, Pov developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her irritation and photophobia. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Pov learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. Pov 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 her procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 13.
Her son says, “My mom cannot see well and her eye irritation bothers her a lot. We hope that will be gone after the operation.”