Chhay is an 80-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. He has five children, ten grandchildren, and enjoys watching the news on television in his spare time.
Three years ago, Chhay developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, irritation, and tearing. 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Chhay learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for half an hour seeking treatment. Chhay 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 his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 5.
He says, “I hope that I will be able to see more clearly so I can go anyplace on my own and return to the pagoda.”