Pichit is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and has three sons. He likes to watch boxing matches and soccer on TV.
One year ago, Pichit developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, irritation, tearing, and sometimes pain. 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 Pichit learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Pichit 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 6.
He says, “I hope after surgery my eye looks good and I can see better. I look forward to returning to work.”