Bet is a 76-year-old woman from Cambodia. She retired farmer, who used to grow rice and sell Khmer noodles. She currently lives with her nieces, who work in a garment factory. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks pray over the phone and attending religious ceremonies.
About two years ago, Bet developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own.
When Bet learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Bet has contributed towards the cost of her treatment, but needs help in raising an additional $251.
She says: “I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, so that I can see more clearly, move around independently when I return home, recognize my relatives, and participate in religious ceremonies more easily.”
