The AECP visits Armenia twice a year on Medical Missions, but this was the first time a group of donors joined the trip in celebration of our 25th Anniversary.
The AECP visits Armenia twice a year on Medical Missions, but this was the first time a group of donors joined the trip in celebration of our 25th Anniversary.
To commemorate 25 years of service, each month this year, we will feature a key element of our organization that has allowed us to bring eye care to the people of Armenia. This month, we write about our Low Vision Clinic — the only clinic of its kind in the Caucasus.
“I have a policy,” said Luther J. Khachigian. “The more you give, the more you get.” That has been the 81-year-old’s mantra for as long as he can remember — and it’s more applicable now than ever. Khachigian, a longtime supporter of the AECP, has underwritten our fourth Regional Eye Center!
After an action-packed 10 days in Armenia, we’ve completed our most recent Medical Mission to the country — marking our 52nd trip to the motherland since the Armenian EyeCare Project was founded in 1992.
In Armenia, more than 100 people are waiting for a corneal transplant. Most are blind or nearly blind because they don’t have the money — $800 — for surgery.
A dear friend of the Armenian EyeCare Project, Dr. Wong works closely with the AECP to train and mentor Armenian physicians. During his last trip to Armenia in March, Dr. Wong’s itinerary was packed with sight-saving screenings and surgeries.
This year, the Armenian EyeCare Project and Ucom will work together to coordinate free eye exams for more than 12,000 Armenians throughout Armenia.
We’ve got exciting news: The AECP is growing its team and we’re thrilled to announce Rostom Sarkissian as our new Director of Development!
For four years, Lilit’s vision had been getting increasingly worse. Two months ago, she was diagnosed with advanced keratoconus in both eyes. The only way to save her sight was a cornea transplant, but like so many others, Lilit’s family could not afford the cost for surgery.
A third-year medical student at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Anna Ter-Zakarian recounts her experience participating in the Armenian EyeCare Project’s Medical Observership program in December 2015.
