meet Sok Lao - an elder but very active lady of 56 years old
“Thanks to the help of CDMD I was operated and I could see again. They have given back my life! Being able to go anywhere and do anything what I want.”
Together with her husband, son and daughter and three grandchildren Mrs Sok Lao (56) lives in a small house in Boeung Krom Commune in Kandal province. When the rest of the family works or is at school Lao takes care of the household.
In 2004 she lost vision in her right eye because of cataract, a common eye condition in which the lens becomes opaque. “I didn’t dare to walk or even leave the house. Only with a lot of effort and looking very closely I was able to cook some rice. Afraid of any dirt I washed vegetables over and over again, just to make sure they were clean.”
It wasn’t until a year later she heard about CDMD. “Somebody in the community was supported by CDMD to get treatment. Therefore I contacted the field staff of CDMD myself. Within no time I was referred to the hospital and operated. I vividly remember the moment I could see again. Everything was so clear! Being able to move around freely was very exciting.”
Besides referring Lao to the nearest government hospital in Takmao the field staff of CDMD has been following her closely. They give advise on the use of medicines, ask how she is doing and make sure her sight is still ok.“Through the close follow-up of CDMD they responded quickly when in 2009 the sight of my left eye was gone. Again I was referred and treated in the hospital.”
Helping people to see again literally gives back lives. In a country where family and community are very important. Living in isolation, like Lao did, is unbearable. “When I was blind I couldn’t go anywhere. All kind of activities in the community - as weddings and ceremonies- I couldn’t attend. Also, people didn’t invite me which made me even feel more isolated. Nowadays I am part of my community and join every activity I can!”
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