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Success! Leang from Cambodia raised $253 to fund sight-restoring cataract surgery.

Leang
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Leang's treatment was fully funded on November 1, 2022.

Photo of Leang post-operation

November 14, 2022

Leang underwent sight-restoring cataract surgery.

Leang was sad that she did not see well enough to care for her grandchildren and walk them back and forth from school, as this used to be a highlight of her day. Her friend told her about the Eye Surgery program at CSC, where she traveled for a diagnosis and treatment. After her surgery, she rested for a few days at home and applied eye drops to decrease any risk of infection. When her eyesight stabilizes, she will be able to return to her daily activities, care for her grandchildren, and be more independent.

Leang’s son shared, “I am relieved my mother’s eye is better. She can now better tolerate the bright light outside without help and is no longer worried she will fall. We are so appreciative of the help from the staff and the donors who paid for her surgery.”

Leang was sad that she did not see well enough to care for her grandchildren and walk them back and forth from school, as this used to be a ...

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May 13, 2022

Leang is a 72-year-old retired rice farmer. She and her husband have two sons and four grandchildren. Now that they are retired, Leang and her husband live with their eldest son, who works as a tailor. Leang helps take care of her grandchildren, and she likes to listen to the monks pray and visit the community pagoda in her free time.

One year ago, Leang developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her photophobia, blurry vision, and tearing. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places independently.

When Leang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 13th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure.

Lean shared, “After surgery, I hope I can see clearly. I want to go outside again without problems and see my family’s faces.”

Leang is a 72-year-old retired rice farmer. She and her husband have two sons and four grandchildren. Now that they are retired, Leang and h...

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Leang's Timeline

  • May 13, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • May 13, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Leang 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.

  • May 19, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Leang's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • November 1, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Leang's treatment was fully funded.

  • November 14, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Leang's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

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