Armenian EyeCare Project

Arman’s Sight Restored

Arman lost the sight in his right eye as a child. He was playing with a box of matches, when accidentally the head from a fired match struck his eye resulting in blindness.

“I could see – but very badly. I could hardly read the first line in the eye chart. I had the surgery two weeks ago and now I can see until the sixth line. I decided to have the surgery in Armenia as I had heard good things about the doctors from my relatives who live here. When I came, I was not disappointed. I was very pleased with the way they explained everything to me and with the care they showed for each patient. That gave me a feeling of trust,” said Arman.

Arman currently lives in Krasnodar, Russia. He is studying for a master’s degree of law at university. At the moment, he earns his living by working at a car repair service.

Myth: NEVER sit too close to the TV.

Fact: There is no scientific evidence that sitting too close to the TV is bad for your eyes.

Myth: Children will outgrow lazy or crossed eyes.

Fact: Children are not able to outgrow strabismus – the medical term for crossed eyes – on their own but, with help, it can be easily corrected at a younger age. That's why it is important for your child to have an eye exam early, first when your child is an infant and then again by age two.

Myth: Using glasses or contacts will weaken eyesight or eyes will become dependent on them.

Fact: Your eyes will NOT grow weaker as a result of using corrective lenses. Your prescription may change over time due to aging or the presence of disease, but it is not because of your current prescription.

Diruhi’s Story

On 30 January 2014, Diruhi had cataract surgery. Unfortunately, after the surgery her sight continued to worsen. Diruhi was referred to Dr. Anna Hovakimyan and after a detailed examination she was told that she had a damaged cornea and that she needed a corneal transplant.

“I waited for the transplant for more than a year. My sudden blindness caused many difficulties in my everyday life. I couldn’t do anything at home and couldn’t look after my grandchildren. Now I am feeling very good. The pain is relieved and I can see again,” said Diruhi.

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