Saim is a 65-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has four sons, two daughters, and eleven grandchildren. She lives with her husband and one of her sons, who are also farmers. In her free time, she takes care of a garden at her house, and makes food for her grandchildren. She also likes to watch dramas on TV.
Eight years ago, Saim developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her severe irritation, tearing, and blurry vision. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Saim learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two-and-a-half hours seeking treatment. Saim 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 her procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for October 5th.
Saim said, “I have had this eye problem for a long time, and I am excited to finally feel better and not have irritation all the time.”
