AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Provides Eye Care to Forcibly Displaced From Artsakh

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YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) at the Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development of the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences performed eye screenings to identify vision problems or other eye disorders among thousands forcibly displaced from their homes in Artsakh in September 2023. The Meghrigian Institute conducted these examinations for those currently residing in the Kotayk province of Armenia, where the highest number of displaced people was registered. The program aims at reducing visual impairment and blindness by providing comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, distributing spectacles and medication to those in need, as well as arranging for referrals, if needed. 

In October and November 2023, the Meghrigian Institute’s qualified professionals performed eye screenings in hotels and shelters in Abovyan, Arzni, Aghveran, Tsakghkadzor, and Hankavan towns of Kotayk province. Overall, the team screened 197 people aged 50 and above. Based on the screening results, the Meghrigian Institute will distribute 218 spectacles in December to those who were identified as having uncorrected refractive errors and unaddressed presbyopia. Moreover, 32 people who were diagnosed with eye diseases, such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, maculopathy, allergic conjunctivitis, and dry eye, will receive medication from the Meghrigian Institute. Additionally, individuals diagnosed as having eye diseases requiring further attention were referred to specialized ophthalmic centers for appropriate advanced care.

The Meghrigian Institute’s eye care program will continue to focus on screening people forcibly displaced from Artsakh, thereby reducing visual impairment in the target population through corrective measures and promoting access to high-quality ophthalmic care. 

The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.