YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute), in collaboration with the Community Wellbeing Project of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences, organized a large-scale community eye health event. This initiative aimed to support forcibly displaced people from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) residing in Ararat province, the region with the highest concentration of displaced people. The program aimed to address visual impairments and blindness within this vulnerable population by offering comprehensive eye examinations and distributing eyeglasses and medications.
From October to November 2024, the experienced team of the Meghrigian Institute conducted comprehensive eye screening in Masis, Ararat province. The screening campaign targeted individuals aged 50 and older, a group at higher risk for age-related vision disorders. Over the course of this period, a total of 378 people underwent thorough ophthalmic examinations.
Following the screenings, in January 2025, the Meghrigian Institute provided corrective eyeglasses to those diagnosed with uncorrected refractive errors and unaddressed presbyopia. In total, 453 eyeglasses were distributed, improving the vision and daily functionality of the project participants. Some of them received two eyeglasses for both near and far vision. Additionally, 66 participants diagnosed with various eye diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, and dry eye diseases received necessary medication to effectively manage their conditions. Patients requiring specialized treatment beyond the scope of this initiative were referred to advanced ophthalmic centers for further medical interventions.
This targeted public health intervention emphasizes the importance of accessible eye care services, particularly for displaced populations facing significant socioeconomic and healthcare challenges. By mitigating visual impairment and promoting eye health, the Meghrigian Institute’s initiative contributes to enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life of affected people. Continued efforts in preventive ophthalmology, early detection, and timely treatment might be crucial in addressing the eye care needs of vulnerable communities.
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.
