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Success! Ratha from Cambodia raised $225 to fund sight-restoring eye surgery.

Ratha
100%
  • $225 raised, $0 to go
$225
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Ratha's treatment was fully funded on September 21, 2022.

Photo of Ratha post-operation

October 5, 2022

Ratha underwent sight-restoring eye surgery.

Ratha was worried that he would go blind in his affected eye, so was relieved to hear that surgeons could remove the growth from his eye and restore his vision. He had successful surgery and was able to return home two days later. Now Ratha can see well again without his eye burning and will return to driving his taxi. This will support his family financially so his children can remain in school.

Ratha’s wife said: “We are very happy my husband’s eye could be fixed and he can see well to work. He doesn’t complain about a red itchy eye anymore, and he can earn money for our family. Thank you to the staff and people who helped us, we are grateful.”

Ratha was worried that he would go blind in his affected eye, so was relieved to hear that surgeons could remove the growth from his eye and...

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April 22, 2022

Ratha is a 41-year-old taxi driver. His wife is a Khmer noodle seller, and they have three school-age children. When Ratha isn’t working or spending time with his family, he likes to play volleyball and listen to the news on the radio.

Four years ago, Ratha developed a non-cancerous growth called a pterygium in his left eye. The growths occur when the eye is exposed to excessive sun damage and cells grow abnormally over the pupil. The condition caused irritation and burning in Ratha’s eye. It also made it difficult for him to see things clearly, recognize faces, work, and go anywhere outside.

When Ratha learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Ratha needs surgery to remove the abnormal growth on his eye and add a graft to keep the condition from coming back. The total cost of his procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 22nd.

Ratha says, “I hope after surgery my eye irritation stops and I feel comfortable. I want to drive my car with confidence and safety.”

Ratha is a 41-year-old taxi driver. His wife is a Khmer noodle seller, and they have three school-age children. When Ratha isn't working or ...

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Ratha's Timeline

  • April 22, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Ratha was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • April 22, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Ratha 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.

  • April 28, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Ratha's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • September 21, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Ratha's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 5, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Ratha's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

Treatment
Pterygium
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $225 for Ratha's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$146
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

A pterygium, a non-cancerous growth of conjunctiva covering the cornea, causes tearing, redness, blurred vision, burning, itchiness, and discomfort.

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

When the growth affects the central visual axis, vision will be decreased. The abnormal growth also causes pain and discomfort. Patients usually complain of irritation, light sensitivity, foreign body sensation, and decreased vision.

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

Pterygium occurrence is much higher among people who live near the equator because of greater exposure to the sun. It is nicknamed "surfer's eye."

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Surgeons scrape the dysplastic conjunctiva from the cornea surface, removing the affected conjunctiva. They place an autologous conjunctival graft to cover the defect and prevent recurrence.

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

Surgery cures the symptoms caused by pterygium. Patients experience improved vision and reduced pain and discomfort.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Surgical excision of a pterygium is curative. The procedure is very low risk.

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

Most patients live with the eye irritation and decreased vision until it starts to affect their daily life. Then, they seek care.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Irritation can be temporarily treated with lubricating drops.

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.