Phally is a 35-year-old woman from Cambodia. She works as a medical doctor at local NGO. Phally lives with her son, daughter, and husband and likes to read books in her free time.
Five years ago, Phally developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and burning. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Phally learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled there seeking treatment. Phally needs 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 her procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 1st.
“I hope that the itchiness and burning in my eye will go away, and I can return to work,” Phally said.