Darith is a 50-year-old construction worker. He’s married and lives with his wife who is a garment worker. He has one son, two daughters, and one grandchild. Unfortunately, Darith is unable to work regularly because his eye is irritated and he does not see well. Instead, he stays home and often listens to the radio.
Five years ago, Darith developed a pterygium in his right eye causing him irritation, itchiness, 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.
When Darith learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 13th, Darith will undergo 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 $216, which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days.
Darith shared, “I hope my eyes stop itching and I can go to work a full day to earn money for my family.”