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Success! Thuon from Cambodia raised $253 to fund cataract surgery so he can see clearly again and return to supporting his family.

Thuon
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Thuon's treatment was fully funded on January 14, 2023.

Photo of Thuon post-operation

February 7, 2023

Thuon underwent cataract surgery so he can see clearly again.

Thuon had a happy life with his family, but was disappointed because his vision had deteriorated and he could no longer work in the garment factory. He took the advice of his neighbors and traveled to nearby hospital for surgery. He rested at home for several days after surgery and even applied eye drops eight times daily to help his eyes heal faster. After his vision stabilized, he has been able to go outside in bright or dim light without fear of falling. The cataract surgery will not only improve his life but also will allow him to return to work at the garment factory to support his family.

Thuon said: “I am so lucky to know about CSC so my cataract could be cured and I can continue working at the factory to support my family. Thank you to the people who paid for my surgery and to the staff who were so kind to me.”

Thuon had a happy life with his family, but was disappointed because his vision had deteriorated and he could no longer work in the garment ...

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August 11, 2022

Thuon is a 43-year-old garment worker who enjoys listening to the news on the radio. He is married and has one daughter, who is currently attending school. His wife works as a cleaner in a restaurant to support their family. Due to his failing vision, Thuon has been unable to work for the past few years.

Three years ago, Thuon developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him to experience light sensitivity and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own.

When Thuon learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On August 11th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure.

Thuon says, “I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go back to work to support my family.”

Thuon is a 43-year-old garment worker who enjoys listening to the news on the radio. He is married and has one daughter, who is currently at...

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Thuon's Timeline

  • August 11, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • August 11, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Thuon 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.

  • August 12, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Thuon's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 14, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Thuon's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 7, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Thuon's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 7 donors

Funded by 7 donors

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