Read our powered by our community 🙌 Check out our 🙌
Meet another patient

Watsi logo blueWatsi

Success! Vannak from Cambodia raised $229 to fund a cataract surgery.

Vannak
100%
  • $229 raised, $0 to go
$229
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Vannak's treatment was fully funded on March 17, 2021.

Photo of Vannak post-operation

March 18, 2021

Vannak underwent cataract surgery.

Vannak had a successful cataract surgery and smooth post-operative recovery period. She was able to return home, where she diligently used the eye drops that were given to her in her affected eye for a week to aid in her healing and prevent an infection from developing. She is very pleased that she can now see clearly, and she wants to thank the donors who contributed to her surgery so that she can see well again and resume her life.

Vannak shared, “I’m so glad that I can see better and can go outside to do things now. I can help with my grandchildren again, and go back to visiting the pagoda on holy days.”

Vannak had a successful cataract surgery and smooth post-operative recovery period. She was able to return home, where she diligently used t...

Read more
January 6, 2021

Vannak is a rice farmer with four daughters. She lives with her eldest daughter, who is a grocery seller.

Three years ago, Vannak developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside.

When Vannak learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours with her daughter seeking treatment. On January 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see more clearly and walk around outside confidently. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure.

Vannak shared, “I want to see well again so I can help my daughter take care of her children and be able to visit the pagoda.”

Vannak is a rice farmer with four daughters. She lives with her eldest daughter, who is a grocery seller. Three years ago, Vannak develop...

Read more

Vannak's Timeline

  • January 6, 2021
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Vannak was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • January 6, 2021
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Vannak received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • January 7, 2021
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Vannak's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • March 17, 2021
    FULLY FUNDED

    Vannak's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 18, 2021
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Vannak's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $229 for Vannak's treatment
Hospital Fees
$48
Medical Staff
$141
Medication
$0
Supplies
$40
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with cataracts experience decreased vision, discomfort, and irritation. Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing functional blindness. These changes in the lens commonly occur with increasing age and therefore affect elderly people. Cataracts can also be congenital or traumatic.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The decreased vision from cataracts can cause functional blindness. This makes it difficult for the patient to conduct daily activities. Patients often need a family member to help guide and care for them. If the patient is elderly, this often affects a young child in the family. When a grandmother needs help getting around, a young child is often assigned to help with her daily tasks. That child cannot go to school.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In many countries in the developing world, surgical services are inadequate. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally. Even where surgical services are available, barriers to surgery remain, including cost, shortage of human resources, poor infrastructure, and limited awareness about access to available services.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed worldwide. Surgeons remove the cloudy lens and place a clear lens implant in its place.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

A patient's vision can improve to 20/20 within one day after the surgery.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Cataract surgery is highly effective and carries a low risk.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Cataract surgery is available in most areas of Cambodia. However, free surgery is not as widely available.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Some debilitating effects of cataracts can be improved with glasses. When the cataract becomes mature, however, the only definitive treatment is surgical.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.