Abdeta is a farmer from Ethiopia. He is an 80-year-old father of five sons and two daughters and has farmed with just one eye for most of his life after losing his right eye as a child. For decades, he managed remarkably well on his own. Despite losing his right eye in a sudden accident, he never let anything stop him from working day and night to provide for his wife and kids. Now, a growing cataract in his left eye—his only working eye—is rapidly taking away his remaining sight. Without a clear vision, he can no longer farm or care for himself, making urgent medical treatment essential for him to get his life back. Losing the vision in his only good eye has completely changed his life, taking away his physical independence and daily peace of mind. Everyday activities that used to keep him self-reliant—like farming, walking safely around his home, and taking care of himself—are now dangerous or impossible. Fortunately, on August 1st, Abdeta is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Abdeta is confident that after his surgery, he will return to work fully focused, ready to give it his total attention, and pick up right where he left off. He shared, "My goal is to stop relying on others for help, feel safe walking without fear of falling, and get my life and self-reliance back."

Sophea is a 57-year-old cleaner from Cambodia. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. She lives with her eldest daughter, who works as a garment worker. In her free time, Sophea enjoys listening to music. About six months ago, Sophea developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing clearly, particularly colors and faces. Moreover, Sophea has difficulty traveling independently. Sophea visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, seeking treatment. On October 22nd, Sophea will undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant surgery in her right eye. Her family can contribute $40, but needs help raising $223 more to help fund her procedure and care. Sophea shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better easily, and I can go back to work without having to worry about my eye anymore."

Sarom is a 52-year-old widow from Cambodia, who works as a rice and vegetable farm laborer in Kandal province. Her husband passed away six years ago, and she now lives alone. She has two sons and one daughter with no grandchildren; her oldest son works as a company laborer, while her other two children are still students. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks chanting through her phone. Five years ago, Sarom developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, 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, wind or dust and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Sarom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Sarom 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 $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 4th. Sarom says: "After a successful surgery, I look forward to my vision greatly improving, so I can easily return to work and no longer worry about my eyes."