Vitreoretinal Department

Department Head: A.F. Gharakeshishyan

The Vitreoretinal Department at the S.V. Malayan Eye Center has been operating since 1978, initially established as a trauma unit. It is now led by Dr. Armen Vardanyan, Professor of Ophthalmology at Yerevan State Medical University and Doctor of Medical Sciences.

After receiving advanced training in the United States, Dr. Vardanyan established the Vitreoretinal Center in 1997, building on the foundation of the former trauma department. Equipped with modern technology, it is the only dedicated vitreoretinal center in Armenia and the region. The department performs all types of retinal detachment surgeries, using the most current techniques. Leadership & Recognition

Dr. Armen Vardanyan has served as Chief Ophthalmologist of Yerevan since 1989 and also as a consulting ophthalmologist for the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

He is:

• A professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Yerevan State Medical University
• Head of the university’s clinical residency program
• An active participant and organizer of international medical conferences
• Author of more than 45 scientific publications, many published internationally

Given the global impact of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, Dr. Vardanyan led the creation of a special task force in 2010—established by Yerevan City Hall—to coordinate efforts between ophthalmologists and endocrinologists across the city in preventing diabetic eye complications. Surgeries Performed

• Primary wound care for penetrating eye injuries
• Reconstructive surgeries after eye trauma
• Full-thickness corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty)
• Artificial iris implantation in cases of post-traumatic aniridia
• Iris and pupil reconstruction
• Phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction with IOL placement (including scleral fixation techniques for posterior capsule damage)
• IOL implantation for congenital, post-traumatic, or post-surgical aphakia
• Repositioning of dislocated intraocular lenses
• Retinal detachment surgeries: scleral buckling, pars plana vitrectomy with various tamponades (silicone oil, gas, air)
• Removal of subretinal and epiretinal membranes to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy
• Optic nerve radial neurotomy

Research & Innovation

The department has completed 4 grant-funded research projects focused on:

• Optic nerve atrophy (NUS)
• Pigmentary retinal dystrophy (NUS)
• Taurine treatment studies
• NUS-related vitrectomy

Our Team

• 11 Ophthalmologists
• 6 Nurses
• 3 Medical Assistants
• 2 Faculty Members from the Department of Ophthalmology at Yerevan State Medical University

All physicians have undergone international training and regularly participate in global ophthalmology conferences.

The department performs approximately 120 surgeries per month.

Dr. Armen Vardanyan is the author of a doctoral thesis titled: "New Methods for Treating Complex Retinal Detachments and Other Retinal Pathologies."

For Inquiries or Appointments

📞 (+374) 10 35 37 40 📞 (+374) 10 34 49 44