Heng is a proud 49-year-old grandmother who works as a farmer in Cambodia. She has three daughters and five beautiful grandchildren. She and her husband both farm rice and vegetables on their ancestral land. During her free time, she likes to watch movies on the TV and cook Khmer treats for her grandchildren.
Seven years ago, Heng developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her to experience eye tearing, itchiness, 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. Heng has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Heng learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On August 15th, Heng will undergo 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 $225, which covers supplies, treatment, and inpatient care for two days.
Heng says, “I hope after surgery my eyesight will improve and I can go outside to plant rice again.”