Meet Chhay, a 60-year-old man from Cambodia. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), shares, “Chhay is married with six sons, two daughters and three grandchildren. He likes to pass the time talking with his various neighbors.”
Chhay has been diagnosed with hypermature cataracts in both of his eyes. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded as it ages, often distorting the vision of the affected eye. CSC tells us, “Chhay has had cataracts for four years now and has trouble eating, walking and doing other basic things.”
CSC explains that because of his loss of vision, “Chhay rarely goes outside and can’t really do any work for himself or to help his family. Chhay’s daughter spends a lot of her time helping him, so she can’t do as much work as she would like.”
For $225, Chhay will receive cataract surgery in which the clouded lens in each eye will be removed and replaced with a clear lens implant. After surgery, CSC says, “Chhay will be able to see from his left eye and can come back in 1-2 weeks for surgery on his right eye.”
After his treatment, CSC adds,”Chhay hopes to to return to the farm, be able to go outside by himself and not bother others to escort him places.”