
REFRACTIVE VISION SPECIALIST & MEDICAL VITREO-RETINAL FELLOW
Born and raised amidst the natural beauty of Hawaii, Dr. Kellen Kashiwa brings a deeply rooted local perspective to his practice at the Eye Center of Hawaii. With over twelve years of dedicated service as an optometrist at ECH, Dr. Kashiwa is a cornerstone of the community’s ocular health sector.
Dr. Kashiwa graduated with a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the Pacific University College of Optometry in Oregon. His academic focus was on low vision and retinal diseases, equipping him with specialized expertise in managing visual impairments that conventional methods cannot correct. His training encompasses the comprehensive examination and treatment planning for patients requiring tailored visual aids.
Prior to joining the Eye Center of Hawai’i, Dr. Kashiwa honed his skills at the Retina Institute of Hawaii, where he served as a technician and diagnostic photographer from 2008 to 2009. His international experience includes internships in Japan and China, enhancing his clinical skills with a global perspective.
Dr. Kashiwa is also committed to humanitarian efforts, having treated over 5000 patients in optometric missions across the Philippines, Peru, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Tanzania. In his spare time he does volunteer keiki vision assessment at homeless shelters and free diabetic retinal screenings throughout Hawaii. His dedication to improving vision transcends borders, making him not only a valued local optometrist but also a global vision care advocate.
Dr. Kashiwa is a clinical professor at Pacific University College of Optometry and University of Missouri College of Optometry. He has given lectures on topics including dry eye disease and sports vision therapy and consults with contact lens companies on sports training technologies. He also works with our local athletes to improve their vision including University of Hawaii athletics, MLB, NFL, and UFC athletes.
Dr. Kashiwa’s approach to eye care is informed by a blend of advanced medical training and a profound connection to his local roots, making him a trusted healthcare provider and community leader in Hawai’i.



#FactFriday ☀️
With consistent sun exposure year-round, protecting your eyes is especially important. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help reduce long-term damage linked to cataract development and support overall eye health.
A simple step that makes a big difference 🕶️ ... See MoreSee Less
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June is Cataract Awareness Month 👁️
Cataracts are a common age-related change that can lead to blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and faded colors. These changes often develop slowly but can begin to affect daily life over time.
The good news is that cataracts are treatable, and early attention can help support clearer, healthier vision. ... See MoreSee Less
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There is no specific age for cataract surgery. Cataracts are most often related to aging, but they can develop earlier depending on a variety of factors including genetics, medical conditions, or previous eye injury.
Surgery is recommended when cataracts begin to interfere with daily life and vision starts affecting things like reading, driving especially at night, or overall clarity even with updated glasses.
If you are noticing changes in your vision, schedule with our team to learn more your treatment options. ... See MoreSee Less
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This Memorial Day, we take a moment to honor and remember those who gave everything for our country. 🇺🇸
Grateful today and always for their sacrifice. ... See MoreSee Less
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#FunFactFriday ... See MoreSee Less
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A new treatment option for dry AMD is now available in Kona 🌺
This advancement gives patients access to care closer to home, offering new possibilities in managing dry age-related macular degeneration.
Talk with our team to learn more about whether this treatment may be right for you. ... See MoreSee Less
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