Chantha is a 42-year-old market seller from Cambodia. He has two children, and enjoys watching television and reading about the news.
Four years ago, Chantha developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him irritation, blurry vision, and tearing. 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 has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Chantha learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Chantha 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for October 08.
Chantha said, “I hope my eyes will be able to see clearly after surgery and I can return to my work at the market.”