Yoeun is a 66-year-old widow from a small village in Kampong Thom province. She has six children - four daughters and two sons. Her children have given her four sweet and playful grandchildren, who are the light of her life. Sadly, her husband passed away three years ago from a drowning accident, and she now lives with her youngest daughter, a rice farmer.
One year ago, Yoeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing blurry vision and tearing. Therefore, she cannot go out in the rice paddies and stays home alone. Poor vision in older adults often leads to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places on her own.
When Yoeun learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On June 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye, Yoeun is now on the path to clear vision. However, to complete her journey, she requires assistance in funding the $253 procedure.
She said: “I hope that after the surgery, I can see better. I want to go outside by myself to help plant crops and recognize my family and friends.”