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Success! Kyaw from Thailand raised $1,500 to fund an eye surgery to restore his vision.

Kyaw
100%
  • $1,500 raised, $0 to go
$1,500
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Kyaw's treatment was fully funded on June 3, 2022.

Photo of Kyaw post-operation

July 1, 2022

Kyaw underwent an eye surgery to restore his vision.

After undergoing surgery, Kyaw can now see clearly. He no longer experiences redness in his eye, and he feels comfortable seeing from longer distances. He will now be able to read again and recognize his friends around town.

Kyaw expressed, “I don’t know what words to use to express my gratitude for your kind support for my treatment. If I had to give the surgical cost myself, I could not have afforded it. I would have to live with my condition without receiving surgery. I always pray for all the donors to receive blessings and wish that they are able to support other patients who have a problem affording surgical costs like me. Thank you very much to all of you.”

After undergoing surgery, Kyaw can now see clearly. He no longer experiences redness in his eye, and he feels comfortable seeing from longer...

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February 23, 2022

Kyaw is a 50-year-old man who lives alone in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border. He used to work as a day laborer for a grocery shop, loading and unloading items from cars. However, he stopped working one month ago, when the vision in his right eye worsened. In his free time, he enjoys reading books and cleaning in his house.

Kyaw has a cataract in his right eye and can’t see more than light in that eye. Because of his vision, he will often not recognize his friends while he walks past them. Though he likes to read, it now gives him headaches.

Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), can help. They are requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Kyaw. On February 23rd, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Kyaw’s natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this procedure.

Kyaw shared, “I am so happy that you will support the cost of my surgery. I hope your organisation will continue to help patients in the future. Thank you so much for helping me.”

Kyaw is a 50-year-old man who lives alone in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border. He used to work as a day laborer for a grocery shop, l...

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Kyaw's Timeline

  • February 23, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Kyaw was submitted by Bridgitte Agocs at Burma Children Medical Fund.

  • February 23, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Kyaw received treatment at Mae Sot General Hospital in Thailand. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • February 28, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Kyaw's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • June 3, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Kyaw's treatment was fully funded.

  • July 1, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Kyaw's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 17 donors

Funded by 17 donors

Treatment
Lens Replacement
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $3,505 for Kyaw's treatment
Subsidies fund $2,005 and Watsi raises the remaining $1,500
Hospital Fees
$1,597
Medical Staff
$501
Medication
$186
Supplies
$1,020
Labs
$30
Other
$171
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients may experience blurred or dim vision, shadows or blind spots in the field of vision, sensitivity to light and glare, and double vision.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Reduced vision can result in social isolation, depression, increased risk of falling and accidents, and ultimately a greater tendency to be disabled. Without surgery, the patient will have no choice but to live with end-stage ocular disease, often resulting in blindness or pain.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

The healthcare system in Burma does not permit the average citizen to receive proper eye examinations. This lack of attention to ocular health is due to a variety of reasons. However, a low optometrist-to-population ratio and insufficient funds are the leading causes.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Surgery will only be performed if the pressure in the eye is stable. The time it takes to stabilize the pressure in the eye depends on the severity of damage to the eye.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The patient will regain his or her vision, though it may not be perfectly clear. Fortunately, the surgery prevents a complete loss of vision.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Potential side effects include bleeding, infection, scarring, persistent swelling, wound separation, and the need to undergo additional surgery.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Burma has 309 ophthalmologists and 150 eye nurses. Fewer than half of the ophthalmologists perform surgery, and almost two-thirds confine their practice to the cities of Yangon (with a population of about six million) and Mandalay (about three million), where many people have the financial capacity to meet high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Aside from these main facilities, there is roughly one ophthalmologist for every 500,000 people, and eye health screening and treatment for children and adults is neither comprehensive nor consistent.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. If left untreated, the patient will eventually lose his or her vision completely.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.