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The AECP–CHLA 24th International Ophthalmology Conference has kicked off in Yerevan, bringing together ophthalmology specialists from leading clinics and universities in Armenia and several other countries as part of the activities of the Armenian EyeCare Project.
This is the 66th medical mission conducted in Armenia during the 35 years of the Armenian EyeCare Project’s activities.
Armenian EyeCare Project Founder and President Roger Ohanesian (USA), in his online address to the participants of the AECP–CHLA 24th International Conference: Ophthalmology, noted that for more than 30 years they have been working to improve ophthalmological services in Armenia and continue to strengthen regional ophthalmology centers and clinics, bringing quality eye care services closer to and making them more accessible to people who need them.
“At the same time, we are expanding our educational programs through professional fellowships and practical training. We are giving young specialists more opportunities to learn and develop their knowledge and professional skills. Our new nationwide program will help primary care physicians detect eye problems earlier and, when necessary, refer patients to appropriate ophthalmological services in a timely manner. In cooperation with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, in the latest phase of our schoolchildren’s vision screening program, we screened around 20,000 children,” Ohanesian said.
He added that they had also provided more than 1,100 pairs of eyeglasses to children who needed them. The program to combat glaucoma, together with Dr. Richard Hill, also continues within the framework of the Project, as does the diabetes program.
“Today, when so many people in different parts of the world are facing difficulties, each of us can make a contribution. Here in Armenia, we are doing our part by treating patients, sharing our knowledge and helping people preserve their vision and independence. I call on each of you to help others to the extent possible. We cannot solve all the problems, but we can make a real difference in even one person’s life. This has always been at the heart of the Armenian EyeCare Project’s activities,” Ohanesian said.
Nune Yeghiazaryan, Country Director of the Armenian EyeCare Project in Armenia, noted in her address that since 1992, work has been carried out within the framework of the Project stemming from the goal of developing ophthalmology in Armenia.
“All this, of course, began with the work carried out both in the mobile hospital and in other locations. It is very important that our Project began working in the development of regional infrastructure. Today there are already 16 such medical facilities located in all regions of Armenia. They were established and operate thanks to the joint efforts of the Armenian EyeCare Project and its partners,” Yeghiazaryan said.
Among the work carried out this year, she highlighted the pilot pediatric screening program in Syunik, which was implemented using a modern methodology and made it possible to make it part of universal insurance coverage.
“This year, we have also implemented a large number of educational programs, including intensive training for pediatricians, which, according to Armenian ophthalmologists, is extremely important for them. At the request of the Ministry of Health, we conducted ophthalmology training courses for family doctors. This is a nationwide program covering all family doctors working in Armenia. We have a very good team that works harmoniously with Yerevan Medical University, the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmological Center and other partners. To date, we have received very positive feedback on the usefulness of the training courses,” Yeghiazaryan said.
She added that it was very important for the Project’s organizers, at the request of the Ministry of Health, to conduct “Red Reflex” training for neurologists, which creates a very good basis for implementing subsequent programs, discussions on which are already underway.
“We also attach importance to the program that gives ophthalmologists the opportunity to very quickly discuss any difficult case within one hour with American and Armenian specialists. We are trying to establish a corneal transplant donor program, which is truly very important in Armenia. In this regard, awareness-raising work needs to be carried out. The first steps have been taken, and we expect good results. Another important initiative concerns expanding the use of scleral lenses in Armenia, which is being carried out by Armenian doctors and American specialists,” Yeghiazaryan said.
Shahane Mnatsakanyan, Deputy Minister of Health of Armenia, noted that such professional platforms not only provide an opportunity to present new knowledge, technologies and professional experience, but also create the environment for cooperation that is necessary for the sustainable development of healthcare.
“For the Ministry of Health, improving the quality and safety of medical services is one of the important strategic priorities, while in the field of ophthalmology, it is important not only to ensure access to modern and high-quality services, but also the timely prevention, early detection and effective treatment of ophthalmological diseases, and to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient,” Mnatsakanyan said.
She emphasized the contribution of the Armenian EyeCare Project to Armenia’s healthcare system. In her assessment, over the years the organization has carried out extensive work toward developing ophthalmological infrastructure in Armenia, strengthening professional capacities and introducing modern approaches. Moreover, this work is visible not only in individual programs but also in the overall development of the ophthalmology sector.
“One of the greatest values of such initiatives is that they make it possible to bring international and local experience to one platform, discuss the real problems in the sector and think together about solutions to them. The healthcare system is changing rapidly. New technologies, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and new diagnostic and treatment methods give us great opportunities, but at the same time require very intensive, continuous professional development and readiness for change,” Mnatsakanyan said.
In her view, it is important to have a healthcare system where modern medicine is accessible to patients, while the quality and safety of services should be a priority on the agenda of every medical center.
Volunteers of the Project include not only experienced physicians who have supported the Project’s programs with their dedication for decades, but also leading ophthalmologists who have joined the programs for the first time and are presenting international developments in the field to their Armenian colleagues.
The intensive one-week program includes professional discussions between volunteer physicians and ophthalmologists from ophthalmology clinics in the capital, as well as regional ophthalmology centers; surgeries for complex cases; lectures for young ophthalmologists; work at the WetLab jointly operated by the Armenian EyeCare Project and the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmological Center; and more.
The conference will feature presentations on current areas of ophthalmology, poster presentations, and a panel discussion with the participation of Armenian and American colleagues.