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Hean is a 67-year-old farmer and grandfather from Cambodia who needs $253 to fund cataract surgery so that he can see well again.

Hean
17%
  • $45 raised, $208 to go
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$208
to go
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November 21, 2022

Hean is an active 67-year-old farmer. He is married, with six sons, one daughter, and 15 grandchildren. Three of his sons still live at home and help him on the farm. He and his wife grow rice to sell at the local market.

Eight months ago, Hean developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurred vision, cloudiness, and an inability to see well in sunlight. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own.

When Hean learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 22nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure.

Hean shared: “I hope that I can see well enough to work in the rice fields to support my family.”

Hean is an active 67-year-old farmer. He is married, with six sons, one daughter, and 15 grandchildren. Three of his sons still live at home...

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Hean's Timeline

  • November 21, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Hean was submitted by Ellen Interlandi, Stakeholder Relations at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • November 22, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Hean was scheduled to receive 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.

  • November 27, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Hean's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Hean is currently raising funds for his treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Hean's treatment update from Children's Surgical Centre.

Funded by 3 donors

Funded by 3 donors

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Hean's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$174
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
  • 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.