It is estimated there are 180,000 blind people in Cambodia. These people cannot work and are unable to support either themselves or their families. Over 40,000 cataract operations are needed each year. However, most of these people either cannot afford the operation or do not have access to it. With only 38 ophthalmologists for a population of 15 million people and about only half of them operating, Cambodia has one of the lowest numbers of ophthalmologists per capita in the world, in a country with one of the greatest needs!

The combination of few specialists, increasing numbers of residents who lack adequate training, together with a lack of awareness and resources to treat blindness leaves a significant number of Cambodians without access to basic eye care services.

This year, over 120 ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals are scheduled to DONATE THEIR SERVICES and screen approximately 20,000 underserved Cambodians in need of eye care and perform approximately 10,000 cataract and pterygium surgeries.

The Cambodia International Sight Association (CISA) and the Khmer Sight Foundation (KSF) was formed in 2015 to unify ophthalmology and eye care in Cambodia. Khmer Sight Foundation has been performing these screening missions and surgeries for 2 years with a goal towards self-sustainable eye care and treatment in Cambodia by the year 2025.

Khmer Sight Foundation is in desperate need for surgical supplies and equipment to perform these surgeries. In general, the cost of supplies PER cataract surgery is $75. Here is a brief list of supplies, equipment, and services that your donation will allow Khmer Sight Foundation to Give Cambodia Sight!

* Screening equipment (e.g., Slit Lamps: $2000 per lamp, KSF needs 3)

* Surgical equipment (e.g., Surgery Theatre Trolleys: $200 per trolley, KSF needs 12)

* Surgical supplies (e.g., Sutures: $10 per patient, KSF plans to perform 10,000 this year)

* Lenses for use in cataract surgery

* Transportation for surgery candidates from the provinces to the city for surgery

* In addition, your contributions will help support the work of our new facility in Phnom Penh, scheduled to be completed in early 2018.

With your help, I would like to go to Cambodia and support the foundation by donating my time, skills and expertise and all the energy needed to support this truly amazing cause! I was blessed with great training both in the UK and Greece over the past 16 years and I would like to offer this to those who need it the most!

Help me and my colleagues in our efforts to offer truly life transforming treatment! The Gift of Sight!

Dr Constantinos Loizou, Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic Surgeon