To increase access to eye care throughout Armenia a long-term goal of the EyeCare Project is to provide the human resources necessary for delivering quality, state-of-the-art eye care to the people of Armenia. Armenian physicians must have the ability, the skills and the knowledge to deliver 21st Century medical care, equal to that available in the U.S. and other developed countries.
Telesurgery provides physicians in developing countries and remote regions with access to expert surgical training. The EyeCare Project implemented a virtual training program, which allows the expertise of specialized surgeons in the U.S. and elsewhere throughout the world to be available for physicians in Armenia. Without leaving Armenia, which is too expensive and time-consuming for Armenian physicians, they are taught to perform advanced surgical skills with assistance and support from expert surgeons. Cameras attached to surgical equipment transmit real-time audio and high-resolution video images allowing the remote teaching surgeon to view the surgery in Armenia.
The AECP is expanding their telemedicine program for regional ophthalmologists, surgical nurses and other ancillary personnel. Ophthalmologists in Yerevan and in the United States will provide online, interactive training courses. With cameras attached to surgical equipment, surgeons in the U.S. will watch the regional ophthalmologists in real time as they perform surgery and will provide assistance and guidance. The training will be especially important when regional surgeons have challenging cases they have never performed.
