Vorn is a 65-year-old rice farmer from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. He has two sons, two daughters, and nine grandchildren. He lives with his wife and his youngest son, who are also farmers.
About five years ago, Vorn developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him constant 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 damaged due to excessive sun exposure, causing the abnormal growth of cells over the pupil. Vorn is worried that this condition has permanently affected his eye and that he will go blind.
Vorn sought treatment from our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre. With their help, he is now scheduled to have a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the surface of the cornea and replace it with a conjunctival graft, which should prevent a recurrence. The procedure, which will cost $225, is scheduled for April 25th, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Vorn needs help to raise the money to cover the costs of the procedure, medications, supplies, and two days of inpatient care.
Vorn shared: “I hope after surgery my eye will no longer be irritated and tearing, and I won’t worry about my eye anymore. I need to work to feed my family.”