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

Sitha
100%
  • $253 raised, $0 to go
$253
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Sitha's treatment was fully funded on February 28, 2023.

Photo of Sitha post-operation

March 21, 2023

Sitha underwent cataract surgery.

It was difficult for Sitha to travel to Children’s Surgical Centre, but it was important for her self-esteem to improve her deteriorating vision. She underwent a cataract removal and was able to return home with antibiotic eye drops to aid in healing and reduce the chance of infection. Good eyesight is necessary for Sitha so she can feel useful to her children and grandchildren. She looks forward to improved vision and hopes to use her sewing machine again to repair clothes for her family.

Sitha said: “I am so happy that I can see colors and faces of my children and grandchildren again. This operation will improve my life, I can visit the pagoda by myself to join in the ceremonies. Thank you to the staff and all the compassionate donors who help Cambodians like me to remain independent and care for ourselves.”

It was difficult for Sitha to travel to Children's Surgical Centre, but it was important for her self-esteem to improve her deteriorating vi...

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October 11, 2022

Sitha is a 72-year-old widowed grandmother living in Cambodia. She has two sons and four grandchildren, and lives with her younger son, who is a construction worker. For most of her life, Sitha worked as a tailor, but she retired from her job recently due to her age and poor vision. Now she likes to spend her days listening to the monks praying on the radio, and visiting her local pagoda to help the monks.

One year ago, Sitha developed a cataract, which causes tearing and blurry vision in her left eye. She is no longer able to use a sewing machine, and limits her activities outdoors due to light sensitivity. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, and is reluctant to go out on her own.

Sitha learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, and sought their help. As a result, she is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery on October 11th, when doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will implant an intraocular lens in her eye. After she has recovered, Sitha will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure.

Sitha said: “I hope after surgery I can see better, and go outside. I hope to take care of myself and not need help from others.”

Sitha is a 72-year-old widowed grandmother living in Cambodia. She has two sons and four grandchildren, and lives with her younger son, who...

Read more

Sitha's Timeline

  • October 11, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • October 11, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Sitha 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.

  • October 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Sitha's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 28, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Sitha's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 21, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Sitha's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 3 donors

Funded by 3 donors

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

Samson

Samson is a widower and father of a 9-year-old child. He works as a laborer at a garage washing cars to support himself and his child. A few years ago, Samson started experiencing epigastric pain and discomfort, and could not keep down his food. He has sought treatment at other hospitals before, but to no avail. A few weeks ago, Samson's condition worsened and his brother helped him seek care with our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Doctors there conducted an endoscopy and found that the cause of Samson's symptoms was gastric obstruction due to pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. If left untreated, Samson will continue to experience pain. His symptoms may also worsen, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and an overall decreased quality of life. Surgeons have recommended a laparotomy to treat Samson's condition. Fortunately, Samson is scheduled for surgery on March 13th with the help of African Mission Healthcare. Samson needs help raising $788 to fund the cost of his procedure. After surgery, not only will Samson's quality of life improve, but he will also be able to care for himself and his child. “I have been unable to care for myself and my child, becoming a burden to my family. The pain is also too much and I am afraid my wife went through the same and died. I plead for support so that I may be treated and get back to my normal life. I am also the only hope of my child,” said Samson.

6% funded

6%funded
$50raised
$738to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Samson

Samson is a widower and father of a 9-year-old child. He works as a laborer at a garage washing cars to support himself and his child. A few years ago, Samson started experiencing epigastric pain and discomfort, and could not keep down his food. He has sought treatment at other hospitals before, but to no avail. A few weeks ago, Samson's condition worsened and his brother helped him seek care with our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Doctors there conducted an endoscopy and found that the cause of Samson's symptoms was gastric obstruction due to pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. If left untreated, Samson will continue to experience pain. His symptoms may also worsen, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and an overall decreased quality of life. Surgeons have recommended a laparotomy to treat Samson's condition. Fortunately, Samson is scheduled for surgery on March 13th with the help of African Mission Healthcare. Samson needs help raising $788 to fund the cost of his procedure. After surgery, not only will Samson's quality of life improve, but he will also be able to care for himself and his child. “I have been unable to care for myself and my child, becoming a burden to my family. The pain is also too much and I am afraid my wife went through the same and died. I plead for support so that I may be treated and get back to my normal life. I am also the only hope of my child,” said Samson.

6% funded

6%funded
$50raised
$738to go