The Armenian EyeCare Project organized a range of engaging events for World Sight Day 2019 to raise public awareness about vision problems and steps that should be taken to avoid preventable blindness. The highlights of these events were 1) eye screening and treatment on the Mobile Eye Hospital, 2) eye care training and “Desunik” board game for children, 3) an exhibition-contest called “The World Through My Eyes” in schools of Armenia and 4) a theatre performance for the elderly.
Exhibition-Contest: “The World Through My Eyes”
Around 200 schoolchildren participated in the exhibition-contest “The World Through My Eyes.” In their artwork they pictured war, peace, virtue and evil of this world. They drew the world as they see it! Starting almost one month prior to World Sight Day (WSD) 2019, from September 16-25, exhibitions were held in schools where children shared their artwork and together with the AECP team, discussed the importance of healthy eyesight in ensuring a high quality of life. The slogan of WSD 2019, “Vision First,” was among the most frequently articulated phrases during this period.
The contest was concluded by an event organized in the office of the Armenian EyeCare Project in Yerevan. Ten children from each school were invited to take part in the WSD celebration event, undergo a training and play the “Desunik” board game about eyesight. A professional jury of five art specialists selected the winners of the competition, who were awarded with special prizes during the event.
Schoolchildren share their artwork during the contest “The World Through My Eyes”
World Sight Day in the Heart of Armenia’s Capital
On October 4, one week prior to World Sight Day 2019, a public awareness event was held in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. The Armenian EyeCare Project staff placed an information desk with booklets on public education about blindness prevention; eyesight care at home and at the workplace; advice to mothers; the board game “Desunik” published by AECP (translated from Armenian: “The one who sees”) and special eyeglasses that simulate the vision changes that people with different eyesight diseases have.
As well, a colorful “question tree” with commonly asked questions on vision was put up on the desk, which attracted the attention of pedestrians. The people passing by approached the AECP doctors at the desk and asking the questions they saw on the “question tree” along with other questions they had about eyesight. The event was a colorful one, full of games, communication, smiles and information.
World Sight Day Awareness Event in Yerevan
October 10: World Sight Day!
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health visits AECP Mobile Eye Hospital and Children Training on Eye Care
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation with governments on addressing the needs of people with various vision problems, as well as on preventive work, on World Sight Day, the AECP invited the Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia to see the Mobile Eye Hospital in action in one of the regions of Armenia and get acquainted with the work carried out by AECP. The guests also observed eye photo imaging for people with diabetes, got information about proper eye care through booklets, video presentations and other materials prepared by AECP.
Meanwhile, school children from the city of Hrazdan, where the AECP Mobile Eye Hospital was stationed, received training about the proper eye care and afterwords played the “Desunik” board game in groups with AECP staff.
Government representatives visit the AECP Mobile Eye Hospital
Theatre Performance for the Elderly: “I See, I Admire, I Live”
Highlighting the importance of enjoying the beauty of life, its colors and culture, the AECP invited 30 senior citizens from its patients to attend the premiere of the theatre performance “My name is Komitas”, dedicated to the 150-year anniversary of the Armenian great composer and a prominent art figure. In cooperation with K. Stanislavski State Dramatic Theatre, the Armenian EyeCare Project presented its patients with a beautiful evening full of emotions and excitement. The guests enjoyed the event and were thankful for the opportunity to see and enjoy the performance.
Elderly patients visit the theatre as guests of the AECP
