Rithea is a 25-year-old sandwich seller. He is married and has one daughter, and his wife also works as a sandwich seller. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball and listening to music.
Three years ago, Rithea developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him irritation, burning, tearing, redness, and discomfort with his appearance. 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 now has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Rithea learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled there with his wife seeking treatment. Rithea 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 $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for June 1st.
Rithea shared, “I hope I can feel comfortable again so I can return to working without worry about my vision.”