Consultation & Diagnostic Department

Department Head: A.F. Gharakeshishyan

The Vitreoretinal Department at S.V. Malayan Eye Center has been operating since 1978, originally established as a trauma unit. It is currently headed 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 went on to launch Armenia’s only dedicated Vitreoretinal Center in 1997—built on the foundation of the former trauma division and fully equipped with modern surgical technology. The center performs comprehensive retinal detachment surgeries and is a regional leader in retinal care.

Leadership & Experience

Since 1989, Dr. Vardanyan has served as the Chief Ophthalmologist of Yerevan and a Consulting Ophthalmologist for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He is also:

• A professor at Yerevan State Medical University’s Department of Ophthalmology
• Director of the university’s clinical residency program
• A speaker and organizer at numerous international ophthalmology conferences
• Author of over 45 medical publications, many of which have been published internationally

Recognizing the global threat of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, Dr. Vardanyan spearheaded the creation of a citywide task force in 2010 under the direction of Yerevan City Hall. This initiative brings together ophthalmologists and endocrinologists to collaborate on prevention and treatment of diabetic eye complications.

Procedures & Surgeries Performed

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

Research & Innovation

The department has completed four major grant-funded research projects:

• Optic nerve atrophy (NUS)
• Pigmentary retinal dystrophy (NUS)
• Taurine research
• Vitrectomy studies (NUS)

Our Team

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

All physicians have received advanced training abroad and frequently participate in international conferences.

The department performs approximately 120 surgeries per month.

Dr. Armen Vardanyan is also the author of a doctoral dissertation titled: "New Methods for the Treatment of Complex Retinal Detachments and Other Retinal Disorders."

Contact Us

For questions or appointments, call: 📞 (+374) 10 35 37 40 📞 (+374) 10 34 49 44