This blog's spotlight is on one of our executive members, Yeghia Gharibian, who is not only the advocacy officer for Young Optometrists but is also involved with the Armenian EyeCare Project. In July of this year, Yeghia embarked on another trip to Armenia to volunteer and train other health professionals. We now have the honor of catching up with him to hear about his experience.

Hi Yeghia! For those who don’t know you yet, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Yeghia Gharibian. I graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2020 with a Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry. Since then, I have been practicing full-scope optometry in various clinics across Sydney and regional NSW. Currently, I practice predominantly at Northern Beaches Optical in Narrabeen. I am passionate about providing quality eye care services to patients and the wider community. In my spare time, I volunteer for Young Optometrists and the Armenian EyeCare Project.

How did you get involved with the Armenian EyeCare Project? 

The Armenian EyeCare Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating preventable blindness and making eye care accessible to all in Armenia. It was established by American ophthalmologist Dr. Roger Ohanesian in 1992, who led medical missions to Armenia with a team of doctors from diverse backgrounds, aiming to improve eye care services in the country. I first heard about the Armenian EyeCare Project during my final year of study in 2020, amidst the war in Armenia. The organization was actively assisting injured soldiers at that time, and I resolved to support them once I completed my studies. In 2023, I joined the organization’s medical mission to Armenia for the first time and have since been involved in supporting their initiatives in optometry.

You've recently returned from a trip to Armenia to help train doctors there. Could you tell us more about the trip and what you did? 

During my most recent visit to Armenia in July 2024, I organized a series of webinars and in-person workshops focusing on core optometry skills such as refraction, contact lenses, and ocular health assessment. In my 2023 visit, I co-facilitated the optometry component of an international conference, presenting on topics like myopia management. My talk, “Routine Eye Examinations Prevent Blindness,” drew on my knowledge from the ACO course in Public Health and Leadership in Eye Care and my private practice experience. Sharing my experiences in primary practice in Australia allowed me to support not only students but also practicing optometrists and ophthalmologists.

You seem to enjoy advocating and improving the optometry profession both in Australia and overseas! How do you balance your passions, work as an optometrist, and avoid burnout? 

It’s fulfilling to make a positive impact and support others. Although balancing responsibilities can be challenging, I manage by staying organized and taking breaks when needed to prevent burnout.

Do you have any advice for young optometrists who want to pursue passions outside of work but are unsure where to start?

The hardest part is always getting started. My best advice is to take small steps towards your passions. If you are genuinely passionate, you will find the momentum needed to keep going.

Any interesting or funny stories from your trip?

Most people in Armenia speak English, but I was impressed by how quickly my American colleagues picked up Armenian phrases to assist with eye examinations and build rapport with non-English-speaking patients. I also found the Mobile Eye Hospital fascinating—a large truck efficiently designed with rooms for consultations and surgery. We observed a cataract surgery in progress via a live screen in another room.

Were there any significant differences in clinical practice for optometrists in Armenia compared to Australia? Or anything you wish you could practice here as well?

The Armenian Optometry Association was only formed in 2022, so I noticed some differences in practice compared to Australia. For example, there is a need for qualified optometrists to support advanced contact lens fittings for patients with corneal ectasias.

Thanks so much for giving us insight into your trip. Where can we find out more about you and the Armenian EyeCare Project?

You can follow @northernbeachesoptical and @armenianeyecare, and visit https://eyecareproject.com/donate-now/ for more information.