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Success! Yim from Cambodia raised $253 to fund her cataract surgery.

Yim
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Yim's treatment was fully funded on March 7, 2023.

Photo of Yim post-operation

March 20, 2023

Yim underwent her cataract surgery and is back home healing.

After not seeing well for years, Yim was happy that a relative suggested coming to Children’s Surgical Centre for an eye consultation. She has lost much of her vision in her right eye and found it difficult to work outside. After surgery, she has been rested at home. Her eyesight has improved already, and she told us how much she looks forward to returning to the pagoda in her village to socialize with other ladies. This surgery will improve her life as she can be more independent to do the things she enjoys.

Yim’s sister shared: “We feel relieved that my sister’s eye can see well so she can take care of herself and do more again. We are very grateful to the people who took care of her.”

After not seeing well for years, Yim was happy that a relative suggested coming to Children's Surgical Centre for an eye consultation. She h...

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January 23, 2023

Yim is a 72-year-old retired rice farmer. She is single and has one younger sister and one younger brother. She likes to plant vegetables around her house, but has been unable to go outside without help since she cannot see clearly. In her free time, she likes to go to the village pagoda and help cook and clean for the monks and worshipers.

Three years ago, Yim developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her to develop cloudy vision and difficulty seeing in bright or low light. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking. As a result, she is unable to travel on her own.

When Yim learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 24th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Yim needs help to raise $253 to fund her procedure and care.

Yim said: “I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I want to easily go outside and take care of myself.”

Yim is a 72-year-old retired rice farmer. She is single and has one younger sister and one younger brother. She likes to plant vegetables ar...

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Yim's Timeline

  • January 23, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • January 24, 2023
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Yim 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 30, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Yim's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • March 7, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Yim's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 20, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Yim's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 1 donor

Profile 48x48 logo 300x300 edcompass logo

Funded by 1 donor

Profile 48x48 logo 300x300 edcompass logo
Treatment
Cataract - One Eye
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $253 for Yim'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.