Meet Sim, a 72-year-old woman from Cambodia. “Sim is married with four sons, one daughter, and 15 grandchildren,” our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), shares with us.
“Sim developed a cataract in each eye two years ago,” CSC reports. “This causes her blurred vision and tearing.” Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing decreased vision and can lead to functional blindness. They typically occur in the elderly due to age-related changes in the lens.
Because of her cataracts, Sim can’t see clearly, do work well, or go outside on her own.
$225 will cover the cost of a phaco procedure and IOL implants for Sim. A phaco procedure consists of replacing the cloudy lens with the IOL (clear lens) implants.
After treatment, Sim will be able to see clearly again. Sim tells us of her hopes to go back to the local pagoda after surgery: “I hope I can go outside on my own and join in the ceremonies.”