“It is hard to see everything or read books clearly,” says 69-year-old Chhan, a husband, father, and grandfather from Cambodia who developed cataracts in each eye six months ago. “I can’t do any work well or go outside on my own.”
A cataract is a thickened, cloudy lens. Over time, the altered lens loses its ability to focus light properly. “This causes Chhan blurred vision, pain, irritation, and tearing,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us. Cataracts account for 50 percent of all cases of blindness worldwide, and formation typically occurs in both eyes, as Chhan is experiencing.
For $225, Chhan will have surgery to remove the cloudy lenses from both of his eyes and replace them with artificial lenses. Funding for Chhan’s treatment also includes post-operative follow-up care. After surgery, “Chhan will be able to see clearly again,” says CSC.
Chhan looks forward to having his vision restored so that he resume the activities that he enjoys—reading the Bible, listening to news on the radio, and listening to the monks pray at the pagoda. “I hope my eyes can see everything clearly again,” he shares.
