The Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP) is proud to announce the launch of Armenia’s first-ever nationwide glaucoma screening initiative in 2025. Spearheaded by Dr. Richard Hill, Associate Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine, and a founding board member of AECP, this transformative effort marks a significant step forward in the country’s fight against preventable blindness. With decades of expertise and an unwavering dedication to advancing eye care in Armenia, Dr. Hill’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
The late Sarkis Mnatzaganian with his granddaughter, Alysia Vanitzian, who funded the glaucoma project
The Sarkis and Shushan Mnatzaganian Glaucoma Project is a pioneering three-year initiative designed to combat glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The initiative is led on the ground by Dr. Lilit Voskanyan, Director of AECP’s Glaucoma Clinic, Chief of Glaucoma Surgery at Malayan Ophthalmological Center and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Yerevan State Medical University, with strong support from Dr. Hovsep Miroyan, the Center’s Director. Together with AECP and under the leadership of Dr. Hill, they will drive a bold new chapter in Armenia’s public health journey.
“This nationwide screening initiative is a critical step toward early detection and intervention of glaucoma, which will help us preserve sight and improve quality of life for thousands of patients across the country,” said Dr. Hill.
Glaucoma, particularly primary angle closure glaucoma, affects over 20 million people globally and often goes undetected until significant vision loss has occurred. In Armenia, late-stage diagnosis is common, leading to preventable blindness and economic hardship. This project aims to change that by focusing on early detection, timely treatment and public education.
Dr. Hill examing patients at the John and Hasmik Mgrdichian AECP Regional Eye Center in Spitak
The project’s goals include launching mass screenings across Armenia to identify glaucoma in its early stages; training local doctors and healthcare professionals in advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques; raising awareness about glaucoma risks, especially among individuals over 40 and those with a family history; and collecting diagnostic data to support the development of AI tools using CrystalVue technology for fundus imaging.
Comprehensive glaucoma screenings and treatment have already begun in more than five provinces of Armenia as well as in Yerevan, conducted at AECP’s Regional Eye Centers and Diagnostic Eye Clinics using gonioscopy, CrystalVue imaging and optical coherence tomography. The Malayan Ophthalmological Center is also being equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to enhance its service capabilities.
A photo of the Mnatzaganian family from the 1920s: Sarkis and Shushan with their son, Hamayik, and daughter, Vardi
Meanwhile, the John and Hasmik Mgrdichian AECP Regional Eye Center in Spitak, funded through a generous donation from the JHM Foundation and operational since 2016, will also house a regional Glaucoma Center. The project scope will expand progressively as additional resources become available.
As part of the project, a two-level screening system will be implemented, focusing on initial glaucoma detection and utilizing specialized equipment at Malayan Ophthalmological Center for advanced diagnostics. Leading glaucoma specialists will train local doctors, supported by standardized algorithms and metrics to ensure consistent and accurate procedures. In addition, a nationwide public education campaign will be launched to inform the population about glaucoma risks and the importance of early detection, using social media, public service announcements, printed materials and seminars.
The project is expected to significantly increase early detection rates of glaucoma, reduce the risk of blindness and enhance the skills and knowledge of Armenian healthcare professionals. It will also raise public awareness, leading to higher participation in screening programs and contribute valuable data for AI development in glaucoma diagnostics. By combining cutting-edge technology, expert training and public engagement, the Sarkis and Shushan Mnatzaganian Glaucoma Project is set to make a lasting impact on eye health across the nation.
Dr. Lilit Voskanyan and Dr. Richard Hill with the underwriters of the glaucoma project, Ms. Alysia Vanitzian and Mr. Michael Backauskas
AECP extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Alysia Vanitzian and her family for their generous donation, which enabled the implementation of this vital project. The Vanitzian family’s commitment to eye health is deeply personal. Alysia’s parents prioritized regular vision care for themselves and their daughters — a habit that continues across generations. Their understanding of the importance of eye health was shaped by firsthand experience with glaucoma and vision loss within their family. Motivated by these experiences, they hope their donation will help others access the care needed to prevent blindness caused by glaucoma and preserve sight. Alysia has touchingly chosen to dedicate this initiative after her maternal grandparents, Sarkis and Shushan Mnatzaganian.
This project is not the Vanitzian family’s first collaboration with AECP. In 2022, their generosity led to the establishment of the Don H. and Vardi Vanitzian Diagnostic Eye Clinic in Armavir, furthering their legacy in advancing eye care in Armenia. Their support will profoundly impact the visual health and quality of life for thousands of patients across the country.
