Extreme Childhood Myopia

[Edik]

I am sponsoring orphans and helping other very poor children in Russia.  I just learned that a 5 year-old girl has severe myopia (minus 16) and that the myopia is rapidly getting worse.  They have been advised to seek surgery for her in Saint Petersburg (they live in Kazan) and that the cost is approximately U.S. $3,000.  The mother has asked me for advice as to the surgery and how to raise the money.  Does this sound like a situation that requires surgery?  What questions should I ask the mother?

[James J Salz, M.D.]

No, this is not a situation that requires surgery and in fact surgery would be contraindicated in a 5 year old child.  this child needs to be fit with contact lenses and this is feasible even in a 5 year old and can be accomplished for very little money
JS

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No this doesn't sound like a situation that needs surgery. Pardon me for my cynicism but it does sound like any number of money scams that are perpetrated on well meaning but gullible people. I am aware of dozens of stories like these and other variations that are used to "milk" money from people like you.

JCH III MD  Sceptic