Tok is a 69-year-old farmer from Cambodia. She live is Kampongthom Province, farming by herself. She has three sons and six grandchildren, but they live in other areas. Her husband passed away six years ago due to malaria. Her farm requires a lot of work, but when she has free time she also volunteers to do tasks at the local pagoda.
Six years ago, Tok developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her blurred vision, tearing, and irritation. 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 Tok learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours by taxi seeking treatment. Tok 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 June 8th.
Tok said, “I live alone, so I need to have my good eyesight so I can do everything. I hope my eye surgery is successful so I can work in the fields, do housework, and go outside on my own.”
