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Vorn is a 73-year-old widow and grandmother from Cambodia who needs $253 to fund cataract surgery so that she can see well again.

Vorn
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January 4, 2023

Vorn is a 73-year-old grandmother and widow, whose husband passed away 15 years ago. She has one son, two daughters, and eleven grandchildren, and lives in Kompong Chhnang province. Currently, she lives with her youngest daughter who is a construction worker. At home, she likes to join ceremonies at her local pagoda and take care of her grandchildren.

Five years ago, Vorn 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, so is not able to go places on her own.

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

Vorn shared: “I hope my vision improves so I can do housework, and get around easily by myself. I want to walk to the pagoda by myself.”

Vorn is a 73-year-old grandmother and widow, whose husband passed away 15 years ago. She has one son, two daughters, and eleven grandchildre...

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Vorn's Timeline

  • January 4, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • January 4, 2023
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Vorn 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

    Vorn's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 21, 2023
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Vorn is currently raising funds for her treatment.

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