Hoan is a 42-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Cham province in Cambodia. She lives with one of her younger sisters who works at a small grocery store. Despite the long hours spent working in the rice fields, Hoan finds solace in traditional Cambodian music and keeping up with current events through news updates on her phone.
About one year ago, Hoan developed a cataract in her right eye, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. The cataract has been causing her photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She is constantly worried about falling when walking due to her low vision, and no longer ventures out on her own.
When Hoan learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 1st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Hoan is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment and needs help raising $153 more to fund the procedure.
Hoan says: “I hope I can see more clearly after surgery, so I am able to work better, and start helping out at my sister’s shop.”