Kim Heang is a housewife from Cambodia. She has six children and one grandchild.
One year ago, Kim Heang developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and teary eyes. 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 Kim Heang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Kim Heang 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 6.
Her son says, “I hope my mother can have surgery and go out more on her own without pain.”