The Armenian EyeCare Project Gala to Honor California Governor George Deukmejian

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP), an organization dedicated to restoring the eyesight of premature infants, children and adults throughout Armenia, will be holding its Ninth Annual Newport Gala on Saturday, November 19, 6:30pm at the Balboa Bay Club, Newport Beach. Governor George Deukmejian will be honored at the event.
“We are recognizing the Governor for his extraordinary contributions to the EyeCare Project over the past twenty years,” says Roger Ohanesian, M.D., Founder and Chairman of the EyeCare Project. “His wisdom, guidance and support throughout the years have been invaluable. He has always been one of the first advisors I have turned to for expert legal guidance. Though a very busy person, he has always been generous with his time and given sage advice.”
The Honorary Governor Deukmejian is an original AECP board member and has been a dedicated supporter ever since. Throughout the years, Governor Deukmejian has helped the AECP tremendously by giving of his time and financial resources.
“I was and still am impressed with the extraordinary way which Dr. Ohanesian and other doctors have been willing to provide their skills and talents to provide good eye care for people living in Armenia,” says Governor Deukmejian. “I admire them for their tireless efforts and making the many trips to Armenia. While there, they provide care, treatment and good medical advice to countless numbers of patients. Then they have carried it forward by helping train ophthalmologists in Armenia to undertake the most up to date diagnostic methods and surgical techniques. Finally, the effort to put together the mobile eye hospital and providing this high level of care for everybody in the countryside has been extraordinary.”
Honorary chairperson, Governor George Deukmejian will be attending with his wife Gloria. Aram Bassenian and Kenneth Khachigian—past recipients of the Lifetime Humanitarian of the Year Award and former board members—will serve as Masters of Ceremonies. Mr. Khachigian, accomplished speechwriter is best remembered for his tenure in the Nixon and Reagan administrations. Mr. Bassenian, Chairman & CEO of Bassenian/Lagoni Architects, founded the architectural firm 35 years ago and throughout his long career has authored thousands of homes in California and abroad.
Each year, the AECP hosts a gala dinner to raise awareness and funds for ongoing medical missions to Armenia. At no cost to patients, Dr. Ohanesian with a team of internationally renowned ophthalmologists travels to Armenia to treat needy infants, children and adults. Donations are used to purchase medical equipment and train doctors in Yerevan. Additionally, money raised at the gala supports AECP’s Mobile Eye Hospital that travels across the country and treats Armenians who cannot afford medical treatment.
“One child going blind is too many,” says Dr. Ohanesian. “It is heartbreaking to see a child lose eyesight when it could have been prevented with screening and affordable treatment. Unfortunately, too many Armenian babies and children are going blind because doctors in Armenia do not have the resources. We are dedicated to making sure no child has to live in total darkness due to a condition or disease that can be treated.”
AECP contact information: 949-675-5611