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Success! Chhin from Cambodia raised $253 to fund cataract surgery.

Chhin
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Chhin's treatment was fully funded on February 14, 2023.

Photo of Chhin post-operation

March 1, 2023

Chhin underwent cataract surgery.

Chhin’s surgery was successful, and he will be able to see clearly again. He will rest for several days and use prescription eye drops to make sure his eye heals properly. When Chhin was able to remove his eye patch, his vision had already improved. His wife is happy he can be more independent now that he can see better.

Chhin said: “I am grateful to the staff who made my life easier because I see better. I will help my family now that I am not afraid to go outside by myself. Thank you for helping me, I want to feel more useful again.”

Chhin's surgery was successful, and he will be able to see clearly again. He will rest for several days and use prescription eye drops to ma...

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December 5, 2022

Chhin is a 63-year-old retired rice farmer, living with his wife and daughter in Cambodia. Altogether, Chhin and his wife have one son, one daughter, and seven grandchildren. His daughter has taken over running the farm and Chhin enjoys visiting with his grandchildren.

Three years ago, Chhin developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him tearing, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Because Chhin’s vision is compromised, he is reluctant to go out on his own.

Chhin sought help from our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre. As a result, he is now scheduled to have the cataract removed, and to have an intraocular lens implanted in his eye on December 5th, at Kien Khleang Rehabilitation Centre. Chhin needs your help to fund this $253 procedure, which will enable him to see clearly, once again.

Chhin shared: “I hope after surgery I can see well. I want to help my daughter with the work at the rice field, and go outside by myself without being afraid I will fall.”

Chhin is a 63-year-old retired rice farmer, living with his wife and daughter in Cambodia. Altogether, Chhin and his wife have one son, one...

Read more

Chhin's Timeline

  • December 5, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • December 5, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Chhin 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 9, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Chhin's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 14, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Chhin's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 1, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Chhin's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 3 donors

Funded by 3 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Chhin'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.