Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Publishes in Journal of Public Health
In November 2023, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences published a new article titled “Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS): the assessment of prevalence and associated risk factors among the students of the American University of Armenia” in the Journal of Public Health, an international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal that focuses on all aspects of the science, philosophy, and practice of public health. This study assessed the prevalence of CVS and the associated risk factors among undergraduate students of AUA.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Provides Eye Care to Forcibly Displaced From Artsakh
In October and November 2023, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA 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. Overall, the team screened 197 people aged 50 and above.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
World Sight Day 2023: AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Celebrates World Sight Day
On October 12, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences celebrated World Sight Day (WSD) 2023. This international awareness day is dedicated to focusing on eye health issues throughout the globe. This year, the WSD theme was “Love Your Eyes at Work,” prioritizing eye health in the workplace.
Within that framework, the Meghrigian Institute organized a workshop for the AUA community on Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). The Meghrigian Institute’s team provided guidance on adopting preventive measures in the workplace, such as adhering to the 20-20-20 rule, practicing blinking exercises, and arranging an ergonomic workspace aimed to alleviate CVS symptoms among employees. In addition, the Meghrigian Institute organized an eye screening event for the AUA community.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Publishes in the Journal of Healthcare
In August 2023, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences published a new article titled “Health-Related Quality of Life after Cataract Surgery in Armenia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.” The research article appeared in the Journal of Healthcare, an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on healthcare systems, industry, technology, policy, and regulation. The study assessed the visual outcomes and explored health-related quality of life (HRQoL) along with associated factors following cataract surgery in Armenia.
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AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Publishes on Cataract Blindness in Armenia
In August 2023, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences published a new article titled “Cataract Blindness in Armenia: The Results of Nationwide Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB).” The research article appeared in the Journal of Ophthalmic Epidemiology, an international peer-reviewed journal that focuses on eye and vision health. This is the second paper written based on the nationwide Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness. The article focuses on assessing the prevalence of cataract blindness, the coverage for cataract surgery and its effectiveness, the post-surgery visual outcome, and barriers to cataract surgery among individuals aged 50 years and older in Armenia.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Publishes in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation
In August 2023, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences published a new article titled “Factors associated with health-related quality of life among people with visual impairments living in nursing homes in Armenia: a cross-sectional study.” The research article appeared in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation, an international, highly regarded peer-reviewed journal that provides a platform for sharing and exchange of ideas among global health practitioners and researchers. The research examines the effect of visual impairment, eye diseases, and other factors on health-related quality of life in nursing home residents in Armenia.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Provides Eye Care to Diabetics in Lori Province
In July 2023, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences performed eye screening to identify vision problems or other eye disorders among patients with diabetes in the Lori province of Armenia. This long-established program was, in this round, implemented in Lori and aimed at reducing visual impairment in the target population by providing comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and distributing spectacles to those in need. Meghrigian Institute’s qualified professionals conducted eye screening in the cities of Vanadzor, Alaverdi, and Stepanavan, as well as in the villages of Tumanayan, Odzun, and Vahagni of the Lori province of Armenia. Overall, the team screened 428 people aged 24 to 89.
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AUA’s Meghrigian Institute Publishes in the Journal of Ophthalmic Epidemiology
In March 2023, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences published a new article titled “Nationwide Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) in Armenia” in the Journal of Ophthalmic Epidemiology, an international, highly regarded peer-reviewed journal that focuses on eye and vision health in the fields of epidemiology, public health, and the prevention of blindness. The article is based on an unprecedented study in Armenia that estimates the national prevalence and main causes of blindness and visual impairment in the population aged 50 years and older, using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) methodology developed at the International Center for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
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Meghrigian Institute launched eye screening program among socially vulnerable children
During October and November 2022, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences, with assistance from the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, implemented an eye-screening program for socially vulnerable children. The initiative aims to decrease visual impairment in the target population through the provision of comprehensive ophthalmic examination and consultation, and distribution of eyeglasses and medication to those in need. The staff of the Meghrigian Institute implemented the program at the Ajapnyak Children’s Social Care Center in Yerevan, the Children’s Support Center of the Fund for Armenian Relief in Yerevan, and Child and Family Support Centers in Shirak and Lori provinces. Overall, 362 of 410 children from the target population were screened, along with 27 adults who had limited access to ophthalmic services.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
World Sight Day 2022: Meghrigian Institute launched eye screening program among people with diabetes in Armenia’s Kotayk province
In October 2022, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS) launched an eye screening program among patients with diabetes living in Armenia’s Kotayk province. The program aims to decrease visual impairment through the provision of comprehensive ophthalmic examination and the distribution of spectacles and medication to those in need. Overall, the team screened 573 people 25 to 102 years old. The team took blood samples from 201 diabetic patients to measure their average level of blood glucose over the past three months (HbA1).
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Meghrigian Institute launched eye screening program among socially disadvantaged and visually impaired children
In November 2021, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences with assistance from the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs launched an eye screening program among socially vulnerable and visually impaired children. The program aimed to decrease visual impairment among the target population through provision of comprehensive ophthalmic examination and distribution of spectacles and medication to those in need. Overall, 340 out of 416 children from the target population, and 42 adults outside of the project, who had limited access to ophthalmic services, participated in detailed eye screenings. Meghrigian Institute distributed spectacles and medications to the children in need.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology launched an eye screening program among older people living in retirement homes in Armenia
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the AUA Turpanjian School of Public Health with the assistance of RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs launched an eye screening program among older people living in retirement homes in Armenia. The program aimed to decrease visual impairment among the target population through provision of comprehensive ophthalmic examination, and distribution of spectacles and medication to those in need. Overall, the team screened 426 people aged from 45 to 95. In October, 2021 the Meghrigian Institute distributed 364 spectacles to those who were diagnosed with refractive errors and provided medication to 142 people diagnosed with eye diseases.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Meghrigian Institute launched an eye screening project among family members of deceased freedom fighters and fallen soldiers in Armenia
In August 2018, Meghrigian Institute launched an eye screening project among family members of deceased freedom fighters and fallen soldiers, as well as disabled freedom fighters and disabled soldiers and their family members in Armenia with assistance from “Goyamart” National Charitable Union and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia. The aim of this project was to provide comprehensive ophthalmic examination to the target population and provide spectacles and medication to those in need. This project has aimed to cover all provinces of Armenia including capital city (Yerevan).
During July 2018 – February 2020, the staff of the Meghrigian Institute carried out eye screenings in Artsakh, Yerevan, Shirak, Lori, Tavush, Armavir, Kotayk and Aragatsotn provinces covering 1,036 people from the target population and 215 people from the general population. Meghrigian Institute distributed 1,198 spectacles to those who were diagnosed with any type of refractive errors. A total of 259 people diagnosed with eye diseases received medication for treatment by Meghrigian Institute. The severe cases were referred to the nearest hospital for advanced care.
Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness: The First Ophthalmic National Survey
The Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) at the Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development (CHSR) of the Turpanjian School of Public Health (SPH) of the American University of Armenia (AUA) with financial support from the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), conducted the first nationwide epidemiological survey in Armenia using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) methodology.
The project aimed to estimate the prevalence of ocular morbidity and its potential causes, as well as vision loss due to cataract and other major causes, among the population aged 50 and over in Armenia. The project also evaluated the effectiveness of the innovative public health approach implemented in the Gegharkunik marz (region) of Armenia — an intervention supported by the LCIF SightFirst grant in 2003-2008 that provided high-quality cataract surgery to underserved populations to reduce cataract-related ocular morbidity and vision loss. The nationwide RAAB in Armenia covered all marzes of the country, including Yerevan, with a sample size of 2,258 participants. For the second objective, the sample size included 1,099 participants from Gegharkunik marz.
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Ophthalmic Trainings on Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness Held at AUA
In April, 2019, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development (CHSR), Turpanjian School of Public Health (SPH), conducted a three-day training on Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) and a two-day training on Improvement of Ophthalmology Qualifications. The trainings were held at the American University of Armenia (AUA) and participants were granted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits.
The trainings were developed and organized in the scope of the project “Nationwide Epidemiological Survey Using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) Methodology,” which is made possible by the financial support from the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF). The main goals of the project are to estimate the prevalence of ocular morbidity and its potential causes and vision loss due to cataracts and other major causes among population aged 50 and over in the Republic of Armenia, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the innovative public health approach implemented in Gegharkunik province of Armenia between 2003 and 2018 in reducing cataract related ocular morbidity and vision loss, an intervention supported by a LCIF-SightFirst grant in 2003-2008.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
World Sight Day 2018: Meghrigian Institute Conducts Eye Screenings in Hadrut
The Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute), AUA Turpanjian School of Public Health (SPH), celebrated World Sight Day 2018 in Hadrut, Artsakh, providing eye screenings to family members of deceased freedom fighters and fallen soldiers, as well as disabled freedom fighters and disabled soldiers and their family members.
World Sight Day (WSD) is a global event held on the second Thursday of October each year. It aims at bringing attention on blindness and vision impairment. This year, the WSD theme was “Eye Care Everywhere.”
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Meghrigian Institute Continues Working with Socially Disadvantaged Children and Children with Specific Health Issues
From April to July 2018, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the American University of Armenia (AUA)’s Turpanjian School of Public Health (SPH) conducted its annual eye screening program among socially vulnerable children and children with hearing disorders.
The staff of the Meghrigian Institute visited several institutions: the Yerevan Special Educational Complex for Children with Hearing Disorders which serves 129 children, the Child and Family Support Center which has 89 beneficiaries, and the Achapnyak Social Care Center which serves 110 children.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
SPH’s Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Completed Eye Screening Program in Armavir
Public Health completed the eye screening program among patients with diabetes living in Armavir province of Armenia. The primary aim of this program was to provide free ophthalmic examination to patients with diabetes, who have low access to ophthalmic services, and to distribute spectacles as needed. The secondary aim was to increase the awareness about diabetes management and diabetic retinopathy prevention among the target population through dissemination of educational materials.
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Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Publishes Study on Artsakh in the Journal Public Health
Visual impairment and blindness are major public health problems causing significant suffering, disability, loss of productivity, and diminished quality of life for millions of people. Multidimensional self-reported measures of vision-specific health-related quality of life have been devised in the last several decades to provide a comprehensive overview of the experiences of visually impaired people. Vision-related quality of life was assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire – 25 (NEI VFQ-25).
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Meghrigian Institute Celebrates World Sight Day 2017
On October 12, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health organized eye screenings among disadvantaged children living in Gyumri and Shirak regions in honor of World Sight Day 2017. World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. The theme of this year’s campaign was “Make Vision Count.”
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Meghrigian Institute Continues its Work with Disadvantaged Population Groups
From June to September 2017, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health (SPH) implemented a comprehensive eye screening program among socially disadvantaged children, the older people and disabled adults living in Shirak and Lori regions.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Meghrigian Institute Serves Family Members of Fallen Soldiers and the Socially Vulnerable Population in Artsakh
In May-July of 2017, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the AUA Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health launched an eye screening and care program for family members of fallen soldiers and the socially vulnerable population living in Stepanakert, Artsakh. Goyamart National Charitable Union and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Artsakh helped the Meghrigian Institute in reaching family members of fallen soldiers in Artsakh.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Dedicates Work in Memory of Gloria Meghrigian
In December of 2016, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) embarked on a new project to provide eye care to diabetic patients in the Tavush province of Armenia. The project was dedicated to the late Gloria Meghrigian, wife of Garo Meghrigian, who passed in 2016. In lieu of flowers, Ms. Meghrigian’s daughter, Anahid Boulanikian, asked friends and family to donate to her parent’s legacy, the American University of Armenia’s Meghrigian Institute. The $1,810 gifted in memoriam allowed the project to be expanded past the initial towns of Dilijan, Ijevan, Berd and Noyemberyan to the border villages of Voskevan, Ptghavan, Koghb, Berdavan, Haghtanak, Bagratashen, Voskepar, Debetavan, Koti and Baghanis.
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Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Works with Schoolchildren in Artsakh
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) conducted a project aimed at reducing the incidence of avoidable blindness and visual impairment among school children living in Kashatagh from fall 2016 to March 2017. Kashatagh is one of the eight provinces of Artsakh and the largest by area. The living conditions and the situation in the health sector in Kashatagh are among the harshest in Artsakh.
The staff of the Meghrigian Institute visited Berdzor, Tsaghkaberd, Urekan, and Martunashen to carry out eye screenings among schoolchildren. Meghrigian Institute selected five schools from the list of schools in Kashatagh taking into account the number of children enrolled in each school.
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Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology has published an article in the Journal of Ophthalmic Epidemiology
Aida Giloyan, MPH, Research Associate of Meghrigian Institute, Tsovinar Harutyunyan, MPH, PhD, Assistant Professor at Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health, and Varduhi Petrosyan, MS, PhD, Professor and Dean of the Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health recently published an article “Risk Factors for Developing Myopia among Schoolchildren in Yerevan and Gegharkunik province, Armenia” in the Journal of Ophthalmic Epidemiology. Ophthalmic Epidemiology is an internationally ranked peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research articles related to eye and vision health in the fields of epidemiology, public health and the prevention of blindness.
Visual impairment resulting from uncorrected refractive errors remains a significant public health problem worldwide.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Completed Ophthalmic Trainings for Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmic Nurses from Nine Marzes of Armenia
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health conducted a 4-day training on “Ophthalmic Diseases, Modern Diagnostic and Treatment Methods” among ophthalmologists and a 2-day training on “Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Ophthalmic Diseases” among ophthalmic nurses from nine marzes of Armenia in October and November 2016. This project has been implemented to fulfill the mission of Meghrigian Institute to educate health providers and establish an ophthalmic care and prevention network to expand service delivery to under-served populations.
The training course provided knowledge and skills in the area of eye disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment methods.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology in Armenian Caritas Day Care Centers for Elderly in Gyumri and Gavar
In December 2016, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian School of Public Health distributed 100 eye glasses to the beneficiaries of the Armenian Caritas Day Care Centers for the Elderly in Gyumri and Gavar cities.
The staff of the Meghrigian Institute screened 76 and 31 beneficiaries of the Armenian Caritas Day Care Centers for Elderly in Gyumri and Gavar, respectively in late fall 2016. Women constituted the majority of the beneficiaries (84.1%). Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia were found in 89 participants.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Works with Vardenis Neuropsychological Retirement Home in Gegharkunik
Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) completed eye screenings among people who live in Vardenis Neuropsychological Retirement Home, which currently serves around 430 people that started in July 2016. Only 299 people were able to participate in the detailed eye screenings. Women constituted the majority of participants (57.2%). Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia were found in 110 participants. Meghrigian Institute distributed 120 free eye glasses to them. Other eye conditions such as infections, allergic conjunctivitis, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic angiopathy, hypertonic retinopathy and macular degeneration were diagnosed in 160 patients.
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Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology Celebrates World Sight Day 2016
On October 13, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the School of Public Health distributed eye glasses to the beneficiaries of the Center for Social Services for Single Elderly and Disabled People in Yerevan to celebrate World Sight Day 2016. World Sight Day (WSD) is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. This year, the call to action for WSD is “Stronger Together.”
The staff of the Meghrigian Institute screened 382 beneficiaries of the Center for Social Services for Single Elderly and Disabled People between May and October 2016.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Meghrigian Institute Starts the Annual Eye Screening Program Among Socially Disadvantaged Children
In April 2016, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the American University of Armenia (AUA) School of Public Health launched its annual eye screening program among socially vulnerable children.
The staff of the Meghrigian Institute visited Achapnyak Social Care Center which currently serves 105 children of school age. Ninety two children participated in detailed eye screenings. Thirty two children were found to suffer from eye disorders. Twenty children were diagnosed with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Five children were prescribed eye glasses which were distributed to them for free by the Meghrigian Institute.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Meghrigian Institute Brings Eye Screenings and Other Forms of Medical Assistance to Artsakh
In a continuing effort to reduce the incidence of avoidable blindness and visual impairment among the socio-economically disadvantaged populations of various regions of Armenia and Artsakh, the Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (the Meghrigian Institute) launched a campaign in the Martuni region of Artsakh.
The Meghirigian Institute is part of the American University of Armenia (AUA) School of Public Health (SPH). Free eye screenings were offered during the summer months to the residents of the town of Martuni, as well as the villages of Tchartar, Karmir Shuka, Berdashen, and Gishi. Over 280 patients received eye screenings, and patients who were diagnosed with eye pathologies received free ophthalmic consultation about their diagnosis and further treatment.
The complete news with photos can be seen here
Meghrigian Institute organized eye screening among children living in Gavar Children’s Home
In October, 2015, Meghrigian Institute celebrated World Sight Day (WSD) by organizing free eye screenings for the children living in Gavar Children’s Home orphanage.
The staff of the Meghrigian Institute visited Gavar Children’s Home, which currently serves 64 school-age children. Fifty five children participated in detailed eye screenings. Out of them, 10 children were found to suffer from different types of refractive errors. The children in need received free eyeglasses from the Meghrigian Institute. Sixteen children were diagnosed with different eye pathologies including infections, allergic conjunctivitis, amblyopia, blepharitis and aniridia. Children diagnosed with aniridia received ophthalmic eye lenses and those with other eye disorders received free ophthalmic consultation and treatment from the Meghrigian Institute.
Media coverage is here.
Meghrigian Institute Completed Eye Screenings among Adult Population in Martuni Province of Artsakh
In July, 2015, Meghrigian Institute completed a project aimed at reducing the incidence of avoidable blindness and visual impairment among socio-economically disadvantaged population in Martuni provinces of Artsakh. The project targeted population living in Martuni town and Tchartar, Karmir shuka, Berdashen and Gishi villages. Overall, 280 patients received ophthalmic examination in the scope of the project. Patients diagnosed with eye pathologies received free ophthalmic consultation about their diagnosis and further treatment, and those with refractive errors or presbyopia received eye glasses from the Meghrigian Institute.
Close to 260 eye glasses were distributed to the screened population, some of whom received two eyeglasses to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
The Institute plans to expand the eye screenings to other provinces of Artsakh such as Askeran, Martakert and Shushi in the coming years.
Meghrigian Institute Provides Eye Services to World War II Veterans
In May 2015, Meghrigian Institute launched an eye screening program for World War II veterans living in Yerevan to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory. The staff of the Meghrigian Institute worked with the Armenian Veterans’ Association, which currently serves around 400 veterans. Thirty-seven veterans participated in detailed eye screenings. Thirty participants were found to suffer from refractive errors. Thirty-three veterans were prescribed eye glasses which were distributed to them for free by the Meghrigian Institute. Other eye conditions such as infections, allergic conjunctivitis, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic angiopathy, hypertonic retinopathy and macular degeneration were diagnosed in 31 veterans. All veterans with eye diseases received free ophthalmic consultation and medical treatment prescription from the Meghrigian Institute.
Meghrigian Institute Focuses on Vision Related Quality of Life
Eye examinations among patients who underwent cataract surgery at Sevan Regional Ophthalmic Unit in Gegharkunik marz
In October 2014, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the AUA School of Public Health celebrated the World Sight Day by launching the project “Visual impairment and vision – related quality of life among patients with cataract surgery in Sevan Regional Ophthalmic Unit, Gegharkunik marz”. The project included free eye screenings among patients who underwent cataract surgery at the ophthalmic clinic in Sevan, Gegharkunik, and assessment of their vision-related outcomes and quality of life. Meghrigian Institute screened 211 patients. The project has covered several towns in Gegharkunik marz (Sevan, Gavar, Martuni, Vardenis, and Tchambarak) and other cities in Armenia, including Hrazdan, Charentsavan, and Yerevan.
Meghrigian Institute Completed Eye Screenings among Adult Population in Hadrut Region of Artsakh
In July 2014, AUA’s Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology implemented free eye screenings among people with diabetes and the general population living in Hadrut region of Artsakh. This project targeted population living in Hadrut, as well as population living in Ukhtadzor, Togh and Tumi villages. A total of 251 patents underwent detailed eye examination and received free ophthalmic consultation; Meghrigean Institute distributed 168 eye frames to those in need. Meghrigian Institute plans to have eye screenings among people living in other regions of Artsakh such as Askeran, Martuni, Martakert and Shushi in the coming years.
Meghrigian Institute Completed Eye Screening among Adult Population in Shahumian Province of Artsakh
In October 2013, AUA’s Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology completed a project aimed at reducing the incidence of avoidable blindness and visual impairment among socio-economically disadvantaged population in Shahumian region of Artsakh. Meghrigian Institute conducted free eye screenings for the residents of Karvachar and Aknaberd towns, as well as Nor Brajur, Nor Verinshen, Tsar, Getashen, Dadivanq, Nor Erqej, Nor Karachinar, Yeghegnut and Nor Manashid villages. Overall, 98 patients received eye screenings. All patients diagnosed with eye pathologies received free ophthalmic consultation about their diagnosis and further treatment. Seventy two patients who had refractive errors or presbyopia received eye glasses from Meghrigian Institute. Some of them received two eye glasses for both near and far vision. Meghrigian Institute plans to continue its work in Artsakh.
Prevention of Blindness and Visual Impairment in Gegharkunik marz, Armenia
Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the College of Health Sciences at the American University of Armenia is currently implementing a project aimed at reducing the incidence of blindness and visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy in Gegharkunik marz of Armenia.
Diabetic retinopathy is a well-recognized complication of diabetes mellitus. Good control of diabetes significantly reduces the risk for diabetic retinopathy, while the treatment of retinopathy can reduce the risk for visual loss by more than 90%. Screening programs at early stages when treatment can prevent visual loss, as well as health education programs for persons with diabetes, help to prevent blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.
The first stage of the project included training primary health care providers on the importance of early detection of diabetic retinopathy and the need for regular ophthalmic examination of diabetic patients. Fourteen primary health care physicians and 29 nurses were trained by Meghrigian Institute at the Lions Regional Ophthalmic Unit in Sevan in September/October 2011.
Meghrigian Institute is now in the second stage of the project implementation, which focuses on free ophthalmic examinations of diabetes patients in regional centers and villages of Gegharkunik marz for early detection of diabetic retinopathy and assessment of possible eye complications due to diabetes. All diagnosed patients receive free ophthalmic consultation about the diagnosis and further treatment. In addition to free screening, diabetes patients receive educational brochures developed by Meghrigian Institute to increase patients’ awareness about diabetes management and prevention of diabetic retinopathy. To date, the Meghrigian Institute has covered 504 diabetes patients from Sevan, Gavar, Chambarak, Martuni and Vardenis, and continues its work in villages of Gegharkunik marz.
Meghrigian Institute has been involved in prevention of avoidable blindness since 1999 through scientific research, providing preventive screening services to vulnerable populations, strengthening ophthalmic services in regions of Armenia and trainings for health professionals and the general public.
Meghrigian Institute Visits Mary Ismirlyan Orphanage
In June-July 2012, Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the College of Health Sciences continued its annual eye screenings among socially vulnerable and orphaned children. This time it went to Mary Ismirlyan Orphanage. It currently serves 90 children. Sixty six children were available for detailed eye screening. Among them, 23 children were found to suffer from different types of refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Twelve children were prescribed eye glasses which were distributed to them for free by Meghrigian Institute. Forty-four children were diagnosed with more serious eye conditions such as infections, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, amblyopia, retinal dystrophy, blefaritis and eyelid chalasion. All children with eye diseases received medical assistance from Meghrigian Institute.
The next stop will be at Kharberd Specialized Orphanage.
Meghrigian Institute Continues its Annual Eye Screening Program among Socially Disadvantaged Children
On May 10, 2012 AUA’s Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) of the AUA College of Health Sciences launched its annual eye screening program among socially vulnerable children.
The staff of the Meghrigian Institute visited Achapnyak Social Care Center which currently serves 100 school aged children . Eighty one children were available for detailed eye screening. Among them, 23 children were found to suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Seventeen children were prescribed eye glasses which will be distributed to them by the Meghrigian Institute. More serious eye conditions such as infections, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and uveitis were diagnosed in 35 children at the Achapnyak Center. All children with eye diseases received medical assistance from the Meghrigian Institute.
Meghrigian Institute will visit Mary Ismirlyan Orphange and Kharberd Specialized Orphanage in the coming months.
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