This is Noun, a 76-year-old woman from Cambodia. Noun has a big family: five sons, three daughters, and 20 grandchildren. She spends most of her time at home, where she enjoys watching Khmer dramas on TV. When she does travel, she likes to visit the pagoda to listen to the monks pray.
But lately, even the short trip to the pagoda has been difficult for Noun. Two years ago, she developed a cataract in each eye. This means her eyes’ lenses have become clouded, causing her blurred vision. Trying to see with cataracts in one’s eyes can feel like looking out at the world through a dirty window.
Noun’s impaired vision makes it hard for her to get around easily on her own. And if her cataracts don’t receive treatment, the long-term prognosis could be even more worrying: cataracts are the top cause of blindness worldwide.
But for $220, we can help Noun. This sum will cover surgery to remove both of her lenses and replace them with artificial, functioning lenses. The funding will also cover the medications and two-day hospital stay necessary to Noun’s safe recovery.
After her surgery, Noun will be able to see clearly again—and to get back to visiting the pagoda whenever she likes.