“In her spare time, Bunthen likes to read religious books,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). However, the 77-year old mother of four and grandmother of 12 from Cambodia has become increasingly unable to enjoy this hobby due to a cataract that has matured in her left eye.
Cataracts develop over the eye lens, causing clouded vision as less light is able to reach the back of the eye—where the brain processes visual images. According to CSC, “Bunthen’s cataracts make it hard for her to read books and signs.” This condition also has begun to detract from her independence, making her unable to “go anywhere far away alone.”
With $150, Bunthen will have her cataract surgically removed, replacing the old, cloudy lens with an artificial substitute. Included as part of her treatment, Bunthen receive two days of hospital care in addition to both preoperative and postoperative support. After surgery and recovery, “Bunthen will have restored vision,” CSC reports.
Bunthen is looking forward to her improved vision, which will enable her to resume a more active lifestyle. CSC shares, “after surgery, Bunthen wants to be able to read again and join ceremonies in the pagodas in other provinces.”