Tha is a 71-year-old retired rice farmer from Svay Reing province. She currently lives with her youngest daughter who is a farmer. At home, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio and cooking for her eight grandchildren. Two years ago, Tha developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and light sensitivity. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Tha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 28th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Tha shared: "I hope after surgery I can see better, go outside, and take care of myself well."

Mai is a 59-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Thom province who needs eye surgery. He is married and has one daughter, two sons and seven grandchildren. He and his wife are rice farmers, as are all of his children. Two years ago, Mai developed a pterygium in his right eye, which causes him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, which is the mucous layer that lubricates the eye. When the conjunctiva is exposed to too much sun over time - as happened with Mai, who spent most of his working life outside - cells grow abnormally over the pupil of the eye, causing vision impairment. Mai needs surgery to remove the abnormal cells, which will be replaced by a conjunctival graft. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is here to help. On September 1st, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will operate on Mai, restoring his vision. The total cost of this procedure - including the medications, supplies and two days of inpatient care - is $225, and Mai needs your help to raise this money. Mai said: "I hope after surgery the irritation and red eye will go away. I want to go back to growing rice and see better."

Koem Sry is a 56-year-old rice farmer from Kandal province. He is a father of two daughters, five sons, and ten grandchildren. He lives with his wife, a daughter, and their youngest son. At home, Koem likes to listen to the news on the radio and watch Kun Khmer boxing on the TV. Five years ago, Koem Sry developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Many years of frequent, chronic exposure to working in the sunlight contributed to the formation of his cataracts. When Koem Sry learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 16th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Koem shared, "I hope I can see clearly again after surgery. I want to be able to look after my family well."