Abdeta is a farmer from Ethiopia. He is an 80-year-old father of five sons and two daughters and has farmed with just one eye for most of his life after losing his right eye as a child. For decades, he managed remarkably well on his own. Despite losing his right eye in a sudden accident, he never let anything stop him from working day and night to provide for his wife and kids. Now, a growing cataract in his left eye—his only working eye—is rapidly taking away his remaining sight. Without a clear vision, he can no longer farm or care for himself, making urgent medical treatment essential for him to get his life back. Losing the vision in his only good eye has completely changed his life, taking away his physical independence and daily peace of mind. Everyday activities that used to keep him self-reliant—like farming, walking safely around his home, and taking care of himself—are now dangerous or impossible. Fortunately, on August 1st, Abdeta is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Abdeta is confident that after his surgery, he will return to work fully focused, ready to give it his total attention, and pick up right where he left off. He shared, "My goal is to stop relying on others for help, feel safe walking without fear of falling, and get my life and self-reliance back."

Som Oeun is a 56-year-old man from Cambodia. He sells coffee in front of a factory in Phnom Penh. He is married and has three sons and one grandchild. He lives with his wife, who sells groceries, and with his youngest son, who is a student. He likes to listen to the news on his small radio. About three years ago, Som Oeun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. Som Oeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On August 25th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Som Oeun shared, "I hope that after surgery, my eye can see better so I can go back to selling and I can drive the motorbike to go far places well and I don’t worry about my eyes anymore."

Sophea is a 57-year-old cleaner from Cambodia. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. She lives with her eldest daughter, who works as a garment worker. In her free time, Sophea enjoys listening to music. About six months ago, Sophea developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing clearly, particularly colors and faces. Moreover, Sophea has difficulty traveling independently. Sophea visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, seeking treatment. On October 22nd, Sophea will undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant surgery in her right eye. Her family can contribute $40, but needs help raising $223 more to help fund her procedure and care. Sophea shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better easily, and I can go back to work without having to worry about my eye anymore."