Success! Chiv from Cambodia raised $211 to fund cataract surgery.

100%

$211 raised, $0 to go

$211

raised

to go

Chiv's story
Chiv's update

December 11, 2018

Chiv is a motorcycle taxi driver from Cambodia. He is married. He likes playing chess and watching boxing matches.

Seven years ago, Chiv developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, tearing, irritation, itching, and photophobia. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside.

When Chiv learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On December 12, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $211 procedure.

He says, “I hope I can see well so I can return to work and earn money to support my family.”

Chiv is a motorcycle taxi driver from Cambodia. He is married. He likes playing chess and watching boxing matches. Seven years ago, Chiv ...

Photo of Chiv post-operation

December 14, 2018

Chiv underwent cataract surgery.

Chiv has returned home after a successful operation. Chiv’s vision has been restored, and he will be able to work and go about his daily life with improved vision.

He says, “I am happy that I can see well and return to work now.”

Chiv has returned home after a successful operation. Chiv's vision has been restored, and he will be able to work and go about his daily lif...

December 11, 2018
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Chiv was submitted by Lindsay Bownik, Stakeholder Relations Officer at Children's Surgical Centre.
December 12, 2018
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Chiv 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.
December 12, 2018
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Chiv's profile was published to start raising funds.
December 14, 2018
TREATMENT UPDATE
Chiv's treatment was successful. Read the update.
February 1, 2019
FULLY FUNDED
Chiv's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment

Cataract - One Eye

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $211 for Chiv's treatment

Hospital Fees

$46

Medical Staff

$125

Medication

Supplies

$40

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.

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Polina is a 65-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband, Reuben, engage in small-scale farming to support their family. For one year, Polina has been experiencing abdominal pain and other concerning symptoms. Despite being treated at several clinics, the symptoms persisted. This has caused her a lot of discomfort and has prevented her from farming due to the pain. She came to Rwibaale Health Center where an ultrasound found an endometrial cystic mass. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $253 to fund Polina's surgery. On March 1st, she will undergo surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully alleviate her symptoms. Polina says, "I will be able to move better and work after treatment.’’

Chiv's Timeline

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Funded by 5 donors

Treatment

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.