Bunthoeun is a 34-year-old waste collector. He is married and has two active children—a five-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. His wife works as a garment worker in a local factory. In his free time, he enjoys going fishing.
Three years ago, Bunthoeun developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him burning, irritation, and tearing in his eye. 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Bunthoeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, Bunthoeun 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.
Bunthoeun shared, “I hope after surgery my eye will look and feel better. I will be able to go to work with a comfortable eye.”