Armenian EyeCare Project Gears Up for 52nd Medical Mission to Armenia

NEWPORT BEACH — In just a few short weeks, from June 25 through July 5, the Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP) will embark on its 52^nd Medical Mission to Armenia.  The Project is urging everyone who is interested to join them on their journey — friends and supporters of the EyeCare Project; writers, photographers and videographers; and, of course, ophthalmologists, optometrists and others in the medical field.

This year’s Medical Mission will include trips to the organization’s Mobile Eye Hospital, which will be stationed in the Vayots Dzor province on June 25 and outside of a nursing home in Yerevan on June 28; the unveiling and grand opening of the Project’s second Regional Eye Clinic, the John and Hasmik Mgrdichian Eye Clinic, in Spitak, Lori on June 27; and a visit to the Project’s first Regional Eye Clinic, the Haig Boyadjian Eye Clinic, in Ijevan, Tavush, which had its grand opening last year, on July 5.

Those who have supported the EyeCare Project, or who wish to learn more about the organization and its various medical programs in Armenia, are invited to join AECP Founder Dr. Roger Ohanesian and the rest of the team on one or all of the Project’s activities — either by booking a trip to the country or joining the activities if already in Armenia at this time.

“This is an opportunity for people to really see where their donations to the AECP have gone and how the Project has changed the landscape of ophthalmology in Armenia with a powerful and life-changing program,” Dr. Ohanesian said.

Tours will be led by Rostom Sarkissian, the AECP’s new Director of Development, and the local AECP team.

During the Project’s 52^nd Medical Mission, Dr. Ohanesian, along with his American colleagues, will train Armenian ophthalmologists, examine their special cases at several of the organization’s facilities and participate in an Ophthalmology Conference and a Neonatal Conference. The Laguna Hills ophthalmologist will be joined by U.S. doctors Thomas Lee, Richard Hill and Khodam Rostomian, who have long been involved with the EyeCare Project, and medical students Armen Ghazaryan, Ana Ter-Zakarian, Nairi Rostomian and Lilit Shahinian.

Armenia’s chief ophthalmologist, Dr. Alexander Malayan, expressed enthusiasm about the EyeCare Project’s upcoming trip to the country.

“We appreciate the support that the Armenian EyeCare Project has rendered to Armenia for nearly 24 years,” Dr. Malayan said. “The activities of the AECP, in cooperation with the efforts of many players, have improved eye care in our country and have enabled thousands of Armenians to regain their eyesight and obtain quality medical care.”

Of course, a trip to Armenia would not be complete without experiencing the sights, sounds and the wonderful cuisine of the country, which is why there are several social events planned for the trip, including a welcome party for the group, as well as dinners and cocktail hours.

To learn more about the trip and how you can be a part of this unique and enriching experience in Armenia, or to RSVP, please visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/AECP/ or contact Rostom at (818) 669-0563 or rostom@eyecareproject.com.