Chea is a father of three from Cambodia. He works at a garment factory. He has three sons. He likes to watch social programs on TV.
Six months ago, Chea developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him blurry vision, red eye, and irritation. 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 Chea learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. Chea 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 September 3.
He says, “I hope my eye surgery to remove the pterygium is successful so I can continue my work and not worry about my vision loss anymore.”