Reach is a 27-year-old car driver from Cambodia. He has one daughter and enjoys playing soccer in his free time.
Two months ago, Reach developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him irritation, redness, and dry eyes. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Reach learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Reach needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for June 4.
He says, “I hope that after my surgery, I will be able to see clearly and the redness and irritation will go away.”