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Success! Sinuon from Cambodia raised $253 to fund her cataract surgery.

Sinuon
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Sinuon's treatment was fully funded on February 24, 2023.

Photo of Sinuon post-operation

March 12, 2023

Sinuon received her cataract surgery and is now at home recovering.

Sinuon’s daily activities are centered around supporting her family, and it had become increasingly difficult for her to see well enough to continue many of her usual activities. She took the advice of a relative and traveled for surgery to remove her cataract. She spent one night in the hospital after surgery, then was able to return home with medicated eye drops to aid in healing. With improved eyesight, she can be independent, more helpful to her family, and occasionally even make her famous noodles.

Sinuon’s daughter said: “I feel happy to see my mother’s eyesight is better. She can take care of herself and join ceremonies at the pagoda in our village. I want to say thank you for helping her eye to see well again.”

Sinuon's daily activities are centered around supporting her family, and it had become increasingly difficult for her to see well enough to ...

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February 3, 2023

Sinuon is a 73-year-old widow living in Kampong Cham province. She is a retired Cambodian noodle maker and has one daughter, three sons, and seven grandchildren. Currently, she lives alone near her oldest daughter and is supported by her children. After she helps cook for her daughter, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio.

About two years ago, Sinuon developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking. As a result, she is unable to travel on her own.

When Sinuon learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 3rd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sinuon needs help raising $253 to fund her procedure.

“I hope after surgery I can see better. I want to go outside, recognize the faces of my family, and take care of myself.”

Sinuon is a 73-year-old widow living in Kampong Cham province. She is a retired Cambodian noodle maker and has one daughter, three sons, and...

Read more

Sinuon's Timeline

  • February 3, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • February 3, 2023
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Sinuon 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.

  • February 4, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Sinuon's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 24, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Sinuon's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 12, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Sinuon's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 1 donor

Funded by 1 donor

Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Sinuon'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.