Voeun is a rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons, two daughters, and nine grandchildren. She likes to teach and paint with her grandkids in her free time.
Three years ago, Voeun developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her tearing, irritation, and blurred 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Voeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. Voeun 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 6.
She says, “I hope to continue my work as a farmer after the surgery.”