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Success! Lim from Cambodia raised $425 to fund bilateral cataract surgery.

Lim
100%
  • $425 raised, $0 to go
$425
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Lim's treatment was fully funded on November 11, 2020.

Photo of Lim post-operation

February 2, 2020

Lim underwent cataract surgery.

Lim returned to his home and family of seven in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Lim had surgery on one of his eyes and will return for surgery on his other eye in a few weeks time. Lim’s vision has been restored, and he is able to see everything clearly. Now, he can return to his work selling groceries at the store. Lim’s son is very happy that his father is able to see everything clearly and can return to his work. Thanks to surgery, Lim and his son will no longer have to worry about Lim’s vision loss.

“I am so happy that I can see everything much more clearly than before. I can help my family sell groceries at the store and I can help take care of my grandchildren at home. I can go anywhere I want to outside on my own again.”

Lim returned to his home and family of seven in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Lim had surgery on one of his eyes and will return for ...

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January 13, 2020

Lim is a 69-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. He has four sons, two daughters, and enjoys looking after his six additional grandchildren.

One year ago, Lim developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurry vision and photophobia. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside.

When Lim learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled there seeking treatment. On January 14th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $425 procedure.

“I hope that I will be able to see clearly and can look after my grandchildren again,” he shared.

Lim is a 69-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. He has four sons, two daughters, and enjoys looking after his six additional grandchildre...

Read more

Lim's Timeline

  • January 13, 2020
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Lim was submitted by Lindsay Bownik, Stakeholder Relations Officer at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • January 14, 2020
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Lim received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • January 16, 2020
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Lim's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 2, 2020
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Lim's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • November 11, 2020
    FULLY FUNDED

    Lim's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 12 donors

Funded by 12 donors

Treatment
Cataract - Two Eyes
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $425 for Lim's treatment
Hospital Fees
$88
Medical Staff
$257
Medication
$0
Supplies
$80
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with cataracts experience decreased vision, discomfort, and irritation. Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, causing functional blindness. These changes in the lens commonly occur with increasing age and therefore affect elderly people. Cataracts can also be congenital or traumatic.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The decreased vision from cataracts can cause functional blindness. This makes it difficult for the patient to conduct daily activities. Patients often need a family member to help guide and care for them. If the patient is elderly, this often affects a young child in the family. When a grandmother needs help getting around, a young child is often assigned to help with her daily tasks. That child cannot go to school.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In many countries in the developing world, surgical services are inadequate. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally. Even where surgical services are available, barriers to surgery remain, including cost, shortage of human resources, poor infrastructure, and limited awareness about access to available services.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed worldwide. Surgeons remove the cloudy lens and place a clear lens implant in its place.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

A patient's vision can improve to 20/20 within one day after the surgery.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Cataract surgery is highly effective and carries a low risk.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Cataract surgery is available in most areas of Cambodia. However, free surgery is not as widely available.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Some debilitating effects of cataracts can be improved with glasses. When the cataract becomes mature, however, the only definitive treatment is surgical.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.