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Neang is a 67-year-old widow from Cambodia who needs $253 to fund cataract surgery so she can see clearly, help her family, and be independent.

Neang
39%
  • $100 raised, $153 to go
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$153
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January 3, 2023

Neang is a 67-year-old widow. She lives in Kandal province with her nephew after her husband passed away 7 years ago from hypertension. Some of her favorite activities include joining ceremonies at her local pagoda and cooking for her nephew’s children.

About one year ago, Neang developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, irritation, tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own.

When Neang learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On January 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.

Neang said: “I hope my vision improves and I can get around easily by myself. I want to be able to help care for my nephew’s children and walk to the pagoda by myself.”

Neang is a 67-year-old widow. She lives in Kandal province with her nephew after her husband passed away 7 years ago from hypertension. Some...

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Neang's Timeline

  • January 3, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Neang was submitted by Romanea Khun, Assistant Manager, CSC at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • January 4, 2023
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Neang 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.

  • January 9, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Neang's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 21, 2023
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Neang's treatment update from Children's Surgical Centre.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Neang is currently raising funds for her treatment.

Funded by 1 donor

Funded by 1 donor

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