Hoping for the best: Chew (right) showing her medical report on her eye condition to Chang.
MELAKA: All she wants is a normal life, but Venice Chew Lea Kheng has been struggling with defective vision for the past seven years.
“My vision on one side is completely blurred. The other eye is also affected. And I am not able to see in the dark,” said Chew, 27.
She was diagnosed with an eye condition known as keratoconus, which has gotten worse over the years.
Keratoconus involves the cornea becoming thinner and weaker before it starts to bulge, leading to blurred and distorted vision.
Chew said an ophthalmologist at a hospital had told her that she would need corrective surgery to regain her sight.
“It’s expensive for me to undergo surgery and go for the follow-up treatments,” said Chew, who is a customer relations officer for an online fashion outlet.
The youngest of four siblings, her father is a mechanic and her mother is a housewife.
“My boss also helped to fund my treatments but the total amount I need for my surgery is about RM100,000,” she said.
For now, Chew felt wistful about her classmates who are mostly married with children. And her dream of becoming an entrepreneur is being put on hold.She said her employer Calvin Lim was very encouraging and willing to help her set up her own business, but she was fearful about losing her eyesight even before that.
Tanjung Bidara Lions Club chairman Patric Chang said his team would help Chew by embarking on a fund-raising effort.
Those keen to help can channel their donations to Lions Club of TG Bidara Melaka Project Fund (Chew Vision) at CIMB Bank Account No: 8004599894.
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