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Bee is a 65-year-old retired farmer from Cambodia who needs $253 to fund cataract surgery.

Bee
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February 2, 2023

Bee is a 65-year-old retired farmer. She is single and moved in with her brother-in-law after her sister passed away in a motorbike accident two years ago. She used to help around the house and plant vegetables, but she has been unable to for the last couple of years as her vision has deteriorated. When her vision was better, she used to volunteer at her village pagoda to cook and clean for the monks.

About two years ago, Bee developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her light sensitivity, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Bee learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for five and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure.

She said, “I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can easily go out, and I can help my brother do some housework.”

Bee is a 65-year-old retired farmer. She is single and moved in with her brother-in-law after her sister passed away in a motorbike accident...

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Bee's Timeline

  • February 2, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • February 2, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Bee was scheduled to receive 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.

  • February 6, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Bee's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Bee is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

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