Thoung's Story

For three years, 85-year-old Thoung lived in darkness. Severe hearing loss made life even harder. Blind and isolated in his remote village in Laos, he longed for the days when he could work in the rice field – growing food for his family and feeling a sense of purpose. 

“I prefer to stay in the rice field,” he said. “If I can be in the rice field, I can also collect vegetables to eat and cut the banana flower.” 

Blindness shouldn’t mean losing your independence. For three years, Thoung and Mai relied on others for their daily needs.

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

But cataracts had stolen his vision, and without the means to afford surgery, Thoung had no way to regain his independence. 

His wife, Mai, had also been blind for three years. Together, they faced a daily struggle, relying on others for even the simplest tasks. But Mai was hesitant about surgery, unsure if it would truly make a difference. 

Everything changed when The Fred Hollows Foundation team found Thoung and Mai at an outreach eye camp. Thanks to the kindness of supporters like you, Thoung was able to receive sight-restoring cataract surgery. 

With your support, Dr Visay is restoring sight for people like Thoung – one surgery at a time.

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

When the bandages came off, a huge smile lit up Thoung’s face. With his vision restored, he felt hope return. 

“I want to go to the rice field tomorrow – I miss the rice field,” he said, eager to return to the life he loves. 

This is the moment you made possible – Thoung sees clearly again and with it, a future full of hope. 

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

Mai is still unsure about surgery, but Dr Visay remains hopeful that seeing the difference in her husband’s life will give her the courage to take the next step. 

Your compassion gave Thoung more than just his sight. You gave him back his freedom, his dignity, and the chance to live independently again. 

Your support is transforming lives across Laos and beyond. Every time you give, you help restore sight and bring hope to people like Thoung who live with avoidable blindness.