Khin is a 65-year-old woman who lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren in Tak Province, Thailand. Three years ago Khin, who is retired, moved to Thailand from Burma in order to live with her daughter. Currently, the vision in Khin’s right eye is blurred as a result of a cataract. Khin finds it difficult to help with household chores, as she has to rely on her left eye alone. She finds that if she tries to focus on something, she develops a headache. She worries she might lose the vision in her left eye. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Khin. On February 23rd, doctors at Mae Sot General Hospital will perform cataract surgery, implanting an intraocular lens in Khin's eye, restoring her vision. Khin said: “I feel like I am losing an eye since I cannot see with my right eye. I am also worried about losing vision in my other eye. I am afraid to undergo surgery, but I want my vision back so that I can see people’s faces again. I feel sorry for my children, and I pity them since they need to help me with everything. I felt really happy when I learned that a donor will support my treatment cost.”

Varn is a 60-year-old retired rice farmer and loving grandmother. She and her husband- who is also a retired rice farmer- have one son, three daughters, and five grandchildren. Five years ago, Varn developed a pterygium in her right eye. As a result, she experiences itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. These growths occur when the conjunctiva is damaged because of excessive sun exposure, making the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, Varn's vision is impaired, negatively impacting her independence. Varn needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface, and to replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. With the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, this procedure is now scheduled for April 24th at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. The total cost of Varn's treatment- including medications, supplies, and two days of inpatient care- is $225, and Varn needs your help to fund this procedure. Varn said: "I hope the irritation will stop and I can take care of myself and my grandchildren well."

Phen is a 39-year-old rice farmer from Kandal province. She is married and her husband also works on their rice farm. In her free time, she likes watching the news and Cambodian comedy TV shows. About one year ago, Phen developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Phen learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for an hour and a half seeking treatment. On February 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go back to work."