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Success! Chhuon from Cambodia raised $253 to fund cataract surgery in her left eye.

Chhuon
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Chhuon's treatment was fully funded on October 14, 2022.

Photo of Chhuon post-operation

October 25, 2022

Chhuon underwent cataract surgery in her left eye.

Chhuon and her daughter traveled to our medical partner CSC for surgery at the advice of a neighbor. She is thrilled that she can be more independent and no longer afraid that she will fall when she goes outside. This will improve Chhuon’s life because she will also see well enough to help around the house and help her daughter with the grandchildren.

Chhuon’s daughter said: “I am happy we listened to our neighbor and my mother had this surgery. Thank you to everyone who helped and the staff for making my mother’s health better.”

Chhuon and her daughter traveled to our medical partner CSC for surgery at the advice of a neighbor. She is thrilled that she can be more in...

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May 6, 2022

Chhuon is a 68-year-old retired rice farmer who is married and has one son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. Chhuon lives with her husband and their daughter who is a food seller. She likes to go to the pagoda.

Four years ago, Chhuon developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking.

When Chhuon learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.

Chhuon says, “I hope after surgery my eye can see clearly so I can visit the pagoda by myself, see my relatives, and do housework well.”

Chhuon is a 68-year-old retired rice farmer who is married and has one son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. Chhuon lives with her hu...

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Chhuon's Timeline

  • May 6, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Chhuon was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • May 6, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Chhuon received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • May 9, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Chhuon's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • October 14, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Chhuon's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 25, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Chhuon's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Chhuon's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$174
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with cataracts experience decreased vision, discomfort, and irritation. Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing functional blindness. These changes in the lens commonly occur with increasing age and therefore affect elderly people. Cataracts can also be congenital or traumatic.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The decreased vision from cataracts can cause functional blindness. This makes it difficult for the patient to conduct daily activities. Patients often need a family member to help guide and care for them. If the patient is elderly, this often affects a young child in the family. When a grandmother needs help getting around, a young child is often assigned to help with her daily tasks. That child cannot go to school.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In many countries in the developing world, surgical services are inadequate. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally. Even where surgical services are available, barriers to surgery remain, including cost, shortage of human resources, poor infrastructure, and limited awareness about access to available services.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed worldwide. Surgeons remove the cloudy lens and place a clear lens implant in its place.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

A patient's vision can improve to 20/20 within one day after the surgery.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Cataract surgery is highly effective and carries a low risk.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Cataract surgery is available in most areas of Cambodia. However, free surgery is not as widely available.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Some debilitating effects of cataracts can be improved with glasses. When the cataract becomes mature, however, the only definitive treatment is surgical.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.