Oculoplastic & Neuro-Ophthalmology Department

Department Head: A.F. Gharakeshishyan

The Vitreoretinal Department at S.V. Malayan Eye Center was established in 1978, originally functioning as a trauma unit. It is currently led by Dr. Armen Vardanyan, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor at the Yerevan State Medical University’s Department of Ophthalmology.

Following advanced training in the United States, Dr. Vardanyan launched the Vitreoretinal Center in 1997—equipped with cutting-edge technology and built on the foundation of the trauma unit. It remains the only specialized vitreoretinal center in Armenia and the entire region, offering advanced care for all types of retinal detachments.

Department Leadership & Achievements

Since 1989, Dr. Vardanyan has served as:

• Chief Ophthalmologist of Yerevan
• Consulting Ophthalmologist for the Ministry of Internal Affairs
• Professor at Yerevan State Medical University
• Program Director for the Clinical Residency in Ophthalmology

He has participated in numerous international conferences, organized events in Yerevan, and authored more than 45 scientific publications, many of which have been published internationally.

In response to the growing threat of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, Dr. Vardanyan helped establish a Citywide Diabetes Eye Care Task Force in 2010. Formed under a decision by Yerevan City Hall, this group brings together ophthalmologists and endocrinologists to help prevent diabetic vision loss.

Surgical Procedures Performed

• Primary wound treatment for penetrating eye injuries
• Reconstructive surgeries following trauma
• Corneal transplantation (penetrating keratoplasty)
• Artificial iris implantation for post-traumatic aniridia
• Iris and pupil reconstruction
• Phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) placement (with scleral fixation techniques for posterior capsule damage)
• IOL implantation for congenital, traumatic, or post-operative aphakia
• IOL repositioning in cases of displacement
• Retinal detachment surgeries: scleral buckling, pars plana vitrectomy using various tamponade agents (silicone oil, gas, air)
• Subretinal and epiretinal membrane removal for proliferative vitreoretinopathy
• Optic nerve radial neurotomy

Research & Clinical Innovation

The department has completed four research projects funded by international grants:

• Optic nerve atrophy (NUS)
• Pigmentary retinal dystrophy (NUS)
• Taurine-based therapy
• Vitrectomy studies (NUS)

Our Team

• 11 Ophthalmologists
• 6 Nurses
• 3 Clinical Assistants
• 2 Academic Staff from Yerevan State Medical University’s Department of Ophthalmology

All physicians have received advanced international training and regularly participate in international congresses.

The department performs approximately 120 surgeries every month.

Dr. Armen Vardanyan is the author of the doctoral thesis: "New Approaches to the Treatment of Complex Retinal Detachments and Other Retinal Disorders."

Contact Us

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