During the summer of 2017, ophthalmologist Dr. Dwayne Baharozian and his family traveled to Armenia to participate in the Armenian EyeCare Project’s (AECP) Medical Mission. Prior to the family’s departure, Dr. Baharozian started a campaign to secure much-needed surgical supplies and eye drops to be donated. The campaign was an enormous success with generous contributions from U.S. companies like Alcon and Abbott. The next challenge was to get these precious donations shipped across the world to Armenia. Some of the medications and surgical devices needed constant refrigeration. There were many obstacles to overcome, not the least of which was getting these supplies through customs intact and to the designated locations. But with perseverance, roughly $250,000 in eye care supplies safely reached their destination.
The experiences the Baharozian family had in Armenia were life-changing. During their time there, the Baharozians were given the opportunity to mentor college students from Worcester Polytechnical Institute (WPI) in their project to bring Electronic Medical Records to Armenia so that communication can exist between the capital city, Yerevan, and the country’s remote villages. To develop this communication system is paramount to a country that has remote villages not easily reached nor transportation systems outside the city.
After visiting Yerevan’s modern hospital and traveling to the AECP’s Regional Eye Clinics, the Baharozian family was also able to explore the country and learn much about its history and people. Lifelong friends were made and there were experiences that will never be forgotten. Dr. Baharozian’s son, Connor, even remained in Armenia to participate in the AECP’s Medical Observership Program after the rest of the family returned to Westford. As a 3rd year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine at the time, Connor worked alongside AECP Founder and President Dr. Roger Ohanesian and other physicians to learn more about ophthalmology.
Dr. Baharozian continues to work closely with Alcon in order to secure surgical supplies and equipment along with medications for the AECP. Through the extreme generosity of Alcon, more than $1 million worth of much-needed materiel has now been donated to Armenia since Dr. Baharozian’s initial trip in 2017. Needless to say, the highest level of gratitude is owed to the Corporate Giving department of Alcon.
Dr. Baharozian is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist who received both his undergraduate degree and medical degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. Baharozian completed his residency at the Boston University Medical Center. He has been in private practice for over 25 years in Westford, Massachusetts. Dr. Baharozian focuses on delivering the highest quality eye care utilizing advanced technology including laser-assisted cataract surgery. His special interests include treating eye diseases and refractive surgery and he is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Baharozian is also on staff at Emerson Hospital, Lowell General Hospital, Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center and Mass Eye and Ear.
When not providing eye care at his private practice in Westford, Dr. Baharozian devotes time to the Armenian EyeCare Project and enjoys speaking to other physicians around the globe regarding improving the standards and efficiency of medical care.
Dr. Baharozian has been blessed with a loving wife and three wonderful children. The entire family has been deeply involved with the Armenian EyeCare Project and has gained much satisfaction in doing so.
