Samol is a 33-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has one son, one daughter, and enjoys watching Khmer dramas on television in her free time.
One year ago, Samol developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation and tearing. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Samol learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. Samol needs 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 $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 5.
She says, “I hope that I will be able to see clearly after my surgery and can return to my work planting rice.”