Choeun is a 43-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He has five children, and enjoys watching the news and Chinese dramas on television in his free time.
Four years ago, Choeun developed a pterygium in left, causing him itching, irritation, and tearing. 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 Choeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Choeun 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 September 30th.
Choeun says, “I hope that after my surgery, my eyes are no longer irritated, and I am able to go to the rice field and plant crops.”