The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) states that Mzia Amaghlobeli’s eyesight has drastically deteriorated since her placement in the penitentiary system. Despite repeated requests, she has not received the necessary medical examinations required to plan proper treatment and has not been given adequate consultation by an ophthalmologist.

Medical background

  • In 2013 Mzia Amaghlobeli was diagnosed with keratoconus in her left eye and underwent surgery in Turkey. Vision in that eye remained only at about 2%, while her right eye maintained functionality.
  • Before imprisonment in 2025, vision in her right eye was around 30% (0.3) and could be corrected with glasses up to 90%.
  • After entering prison, her vision deteriorated sharply. On 4 February 2025, correction with glasses was still possible up to 60%. Two days later, her vision dropped to 0.1, and correction was possible only up to 40%.

Her lawyer requested high-tech diagnostic examinations at specialized clinics (“New Hospitals National Ophthalmology Center” or “Caucasus Medical Center”), offering to cover the costs personally. Despite this, the penitentiary authorities transferred her to a different clinic (“Mzera”), which, according to Amaghlobeli, lacks the necessary equipment.

Examinations revealed: Stage IV keratoconus in the left eye; Stage I–II keratoconus and myopic astigmatism in the right eye.

  • At the time of examination, vision was 0.01 in the left eye (not correctable) and 0.1–0.2 in the right eye.
  • A recommendation was given for cross-linking only for the right eye; no recommendations for the nearly blind left eye were provided. She states she did not receive explanations about risks or benefits of the procedure.

Main concerns

GYLA emphasizes:

  • The penitentiary has taken no effective steps to identify the cause of the rapid loss of vision or to arrange proper treatment.
  • Without timely diagnostics and treatment planning, the progression of keratoconus may become irreversible.
  • Requests from her lawyer to the penitentiary service and the Ministry of Justice (dated 13 August, 8 September, 13 October, and 13 November 2025) remain unanswered.

Human rights obligations

GYLA stresses that the state has a heightened duty of care toward persons deprived of liberty. Amaghlobeli currently cannot:

  • undergo examinations at a properly equipped clinic,
  • receive full medical information,
  • make an informed decision about treatment needed to preserve her remaining vision.

GYLA urges:

  1. Minister of Justice Paata Salia – to immediately ensure high-tech examinations of both eyes at a properly equipped clinic (“New Hospitals Ophthalmology National Center” or “Caucasus Medical Center”) and to plan treatment accordingly.
  2. Public Defender of Georgia – to urgently assess whether the state is fulfilling its obligation to provide adequate medical care and to involve medical experts if needed.