Pov is a 43-year-old rice farmer. She is a widow and has one daughter, two sons, and one grandchild. She lives with her mother and her youngest son, who is also a rice farmer. In her free time, Pov likes to watch the news and Cambodian dramas on TV.
Around one year ago, Pov developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 tissue grows abnormally over the pupil. Pov has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Pov learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Pov needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The surgeons at CSC can help Pov, and the total cost for this procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for October 18th.
Pov shared: “I hope after surgery the irritation and red eye will go away. I want to go back to growing rice and be able to see better outside.”