Meet Chheng, a 63-year-old grandfather who likes to get around his town in Cambodia by driving his moto bike. Recently, Chheng has not been able to ride his bike or do many of his routine activities due to a mature cataract in each of his eyes. This condition causes clouding of the eye’s lens, making it difficult for Chheng to see. Without surgery, Chheng’s vision will worsen and limit his mobility and independence.
Chheng is married with three sons, two daughters, and ten grandchildren. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), tells us, “Chheng likes to listen to the radio during the day, alternating between the news and Khmer traditional songs.” Although he can still listen to the radio, CSC explains, “Chheng’s cataracts make it very hard for him to do anything on his own, or even see faces of his relatives.” Chheng is eager to have surgery so that he can once again ride his moto bike and see his family with ease.
With $225 in funding, Chheng will have the mature cataracts in both of his eyes surgically removed. Doctors will replace his clouded lenses with clear, artificial ones, and the operation will restore Chheng’s vision so that he can once again ride around town and see the faces of his family members.