Thou Hek is a 76-year-old retired grandfather from Phnom Penh. He has three daughters and ten grandchildren. Thou Hek retired almost twenty years ago as an administrator for the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transportation. He lives with his wife and his oldest daughter, who sells second-hand clothes in the local market. He enjoys listening to the news on his phone and spending time with his family.
About three months ago, Thou Hek developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own.
Thou Hek will undergo cataract surgery at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre on May 31st. Doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Thou Hek was able to contribute $50 towards his medical costs but needs help raising the remaining $203 for treatment.
Thou Hek shared, “I hope I can see clearly again so I can start reading again, and not feel afraid when I go out.”

