Hranoosh’s Story

“I finally feel like I belong in this world.”

Hranoosh has had a series of hardships throughout her life, which began when she was a child. Her mother and father passed away before she was seven-years-old. Her father left for war and never returned. Her mother became gravely ill soon after her father died and left six children.

Despite these difficulties Hranoosh led an active adult life. She was married, raised her children and worked full-time. However, as she grew older Hranoosh began to have trouble with her sight, which resulted in blindness.

Hranoosh was blind for five years. She could not see the faces of her grandchildren, which was very painful. She couldn’t cook or care for her house and it was a struggle to get to the bathroom on her own. Compounding her problems, Hranoosh could not afford to travel to Yerevan for care and she and her family were at a loss for what to do.

About this time the EyeCare Project opened its first Regional Eye Clinic in Ijevan, Tavush — the Haig Boyadjian Regional Eye Clinic. Hranoosh and her family visited the Project’s state-of-the-art eye clinic and she was able to have cataract surgery in both eyes. The following day Hranoosh was so happy she began singing.

“At the age of 82, I was finally able to receive the gift of sight,” said Hranoosh. “I finally feel like I belong in this world!” Her surgery was a great success and she says 100 percent of her vision has returned. Hranoosh can get around independently, enjoy her family and, best of all, she can see the smiles on her grandchildren’s faces.

“I tell you this with all my heart and soul, I’m indebted to you,” said Hranoosh. “I am beyond words of gratitude. ‘Thank you’ is not enough.”