Khaing is a 35-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his parents, younger sister, brother-in-law, and baby nephew. He has earned a living as a gold panner since he was 14 years old. Khaing and his brother support the family.
When he was 15 years old, Khaing was catching a fish in a stream when he injured his left eye. He temporarily lost his vision in that eye. Over the years, his symptoms waxed and waned in severity. When his vision was clear, he was able to work. However, direct sunlight caused severe headaches and induced tears in his left eye. He often relied on painkillers.
As his condition worsened, Khaing became unable to work. To supplement the family’s income, his younger sister started to work as a day laborer.
Recently, Khaing visited a clinic covered by our medical partner, Burma Border Projects. On October 28, he underwent a CT scan. The total cost of the CT scan is $414, including the cost of the outpatient nurse and follow-up visit.
Using the CT scan, Khaing’s physician will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendation.