Thomas Lee, MD, Director of the Vision Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, was named a winner of the 2017 Microsoft Health Innovation Awards. The award recognized Dr. Lee’s work with SADA Systems, a technology company, on a telemedicine project to train eye surgeons in Armenia to reduce rates of infant blindness.

Inspired by God’s love, the Agape Circle of the Western Diocese was founded in 2015. Headed by Mrs. Alice Chakrian, the group of dedicated women have made it their mission to support and to contribute to organizations that have impacted the lives of the Armenian-American community. Fundraisers benefitting such world renowned organizations as Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) are routinely organized. CHLA, which has been named as the best children’s hospital in California and among the best in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious US News and World Report Honor Roll, serves over 350,000 children a year, including 12,000 Armenian children in the last six years. 

Through a variety of community fundraisers, the Agape Circle has pledged to raise $100,000 for CHLA’s programs and services. The funds raised have benefitted CHLA’s Vision Center, the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, the Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit, the Literally Healing Program and the Interfaith Center. 

In November 2014, Dr. Thomas Lee, the Director of the Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles was honored by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, with a certificate of blessing and commendation for his God-pleasing and tireless work in Armenia saving eyesight in premature infants.

In appreciation of his noble endeavors, the renowned physician also was also presented the Archbishop’s Award in addition to having a tufa cross-stone (khatchkar) consecrated and dedicated in his honor.

In his address to Dr. Lee, the Primate said "You are the carrier of God's divine love. Through your humanitarian spirit and compassionate heart, you have changed the lives of children in the Republic of Armenia. May God's divine grace and blessings accompany you and your family be with you always."