Glaucoma Department

Department Head: Dr. Lilit A. Voskanian

The Glaucoma Department has been an integral part of the S.V. Malayan Eye Center since its founding in 1978, when the center first operated as the Republican Glaucomatous-Trachomatous Dispensary. Its core mission was — and continues to be — the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of patients with glaucoma.

History & Leadership

• The department was originally led by Dr. Elmira Yeghiazaryan.
• In 2000, under the leadership of Director Dr. A.S. Malayan, the Republican Glaucoma Center was established.
• In 2001, this center was incorporated into the Glaucoma Department and has been directed ever since by Dr. Lilit Voskanian, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Yerevan State Medical University and Chair of the department since 2022.

Since the early 1990s, under the guidance of visiting U.S. specialists, including Dr. Richard Hill, the department has been shaped into a glaucoma service that meets international standards, with special emphasis on pediatric glaucoma, a field previously underserved in the region.

Equipment & Diagnostic Capabilities

Following advanced fellowship training in the U.S. (1999–2000), the department underwent a complete technological upgrade, enabling full diagnostic, treatment, and prevention services. The center now performs all major international-standard glaucoma diagnostics, including:

• Gonioscopy with imaging (visualization of the anterior chamber angle)
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) testing with multiple gold-standard methods
• Visual field analysis, including Humphrey Visual Field Testing
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) using Heidelberg, Zeiss, and Optovue systems
• Anterior chamber angle imaging via digital analysis
• Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) for detecting secondary glaucoma
• Fluorescein angiography for vascular abnormalities

These tools enable early-stage diagnosis, which is crucial for preventing vision loss in glaucoma.

Laser Treatment Options

The department performs all modern, non-invasive laser procedures:

• Laser Trabeculoplasty
• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Laser Iridotomy (used for angle-closure glaucoma)
• Laser Iridoplasty
• Laser Pupilloplasty

These procedures avoid invasive surgery and help manage IOP safely and effectively.

Surgical Treatments

The department performs globally recognized surgical procedures, including:

• Sinus Trabeculectomy with anti-scarring agents
• Laser suture lysis, a post-op adjustment method unique in the region
• Glaucoma stent implantation, including:Glaukos (USA) stents Ciliatech (France) supraciliary stents Sanoculis (Israel) MIMS and MINT microinvasive drainage procedures Preserflo MicroShunt, used at the center for over four years Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implants, performed at Malayan for 30+ years Hydrus Microstent by Alcon, among the most advanced implants available today

Academic & Scientific Leadership

• Over 100 students and 30 clinical residents train here annually.
• Since 2007, the department has collaborated with Glaukos (USA), Siliatech (France), and Sanoculis (Israel) on clinical trials and device development.
• It also works closely with Liqvor Pharmaceuticals to test and help develop anti-glaucoma medications, some of which are now distributed internationally.

Training & Wet Lab

The department operates dedicated sections in the center’s Wet Lab, the only one of its kind in the region. Here, residents and young ophthalmologists receive hands-on training in both surgical and laser glaucoma treatments.

Our Team

• 11 Ophthalmologists, including 3 PhDs
• 7 Nurses
• 4 Clinical Assistants