Retina Institute of Hawaii’s OD Provides Optometric Humanitarian Work

Dr. Kellen Kashiwa Completes His 6th Medical Mission

Kashiwa, Tanzania

Becoming a doctor takes hours of educational preparation and financial sacrifices. It also takes passion.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Doctor Kellen Kashiwa of the Retina Institute of Hawaii concentrated his optometry studies in low-vision and retinal disease at Pacific University College of Optometry. During his first year of optometry school, Dr. Kashiwa was introduced to AMIGOS Eye Care, a non-profit organization of students, doctors and lay people, and the university’s affiliate of VOSH International, one of the largest eye care-providing organizations in the world, partnering with the World Health Organization.

Touched by the group’s purpose, Dr. Kashiwa went on his first mission trip with them to the Philippines. “I still remember the smile on my first patient’s face after she put on glasses and was able to read again,” he says. The following 3 days, the group helped over 1,200 patients by providing eye care through glasses and medication, or connecting those in need with local surgeons for cataract surgery.

“During that trip, I found my passion and knew this is what I was put on this world for,” Dr. Kashiwa says. “I plan on continuing to do these trips for the rest of my life.”

Last month, five optometry students from Pacific University travelled to remote villages in the United Republic of Tanzania, a country in East Africa. Tanzania is a poor country, with the largest proportion of reported persons undernourished in 2010-2012. The team of missionaries provided services in villages with extremely limited resources: very little running water, electricity, and plumbing. In a span of 4 days, the team helped over 600 patients from school-aged kids who are struggling because they cannot see in school to 90-year-olds in desperate need of bifocals.

This was Dr. Kashiwa’s sixth medical mission (previously in Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Nicaragua, and Thailand) and one of his most memorable ones because the people in Tanzania were so grateful and welcoming. Recipients who were provided a new pair of glasses can finally read again, see their loved ones, or simply see their surroundings.

For more information or to donate to AMIGOS Eye Care, visit amigoseyecare.com.


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This season, were thankful for the trust our patients place in us to care for their vision. It’s a privilege to help you see the world more clearly and enjoy life’s beautiful moments.  Happy Thanksgiving from Eye Center of Hawaii 🦃🥧✨

This season, we're thankful for the trust our patients place in us to care for their vision. It’s a privilege to help you see the world more clearly and enjoy life’s beautiful moments.

Happy Thanksgiving from Eye Center of Hawaii 🦃🥧✨
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6 days ago

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Grateful for your recent care this Thanksgiving. What a team !

Our team attended the Hawaii Active Seniors Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center last weekend in Honolulu. We loved meeting everyone who stopped by our booth and sharing our frames and discussing your eye health! 🌺 Hawaii Active Seniors Expo

Our team attended the Hawaii Active Seniors Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center last weekend in Honolulu. We loved meeting everyone who stopped by our booth and sharing our frames and discussing your eye health! 🌺 Hawaii Active Seniors Expo ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
This season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of our patients. Huge mahalo for trusting us with your vision care and allowing us to be part of your journey to better sight. Every visit, every story, and every smile inspires us to keep providing the highest level of care.

This season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of our patients. Huge mahalo for trusting us with your vision care and allowing us to be part of your journey to better sight. Every visit, every story, and every smile inspires us to keep providing the highest level of care. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

Our next frame line: Lele: Inspired by the Hawaiian word for "to fly" or "to soar," these frames symbolize freedom and clarity. Rooted in the rich tradition of Hawaiian paddling, LELE embodies the spirit of the koaʻe bird, known for its impressive flight along the coastal cliffs. Our designer, a Hawaii-born paddler, crafted this line inspired by the 'olelo no'eau, “He koa’e manu o ka pali kahako” —a tribute to those who soar above the rest. Each frame in the LELE collection is designed to reflect the grace and agility of the koaʻe, symbolizing an outstanding person's journey. #LeleFrames #HawaiianInspiration #EyewearDesign #HawaiianCulture #OceanSpirit ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
While cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people, you can take steps to delay their development and keep your eyes healthy! Here are a few ways to protect your vision:  🌞 Wear Sunglasses – UV protection helps prevent lens damage.
🥦 Eat a Healthy Diet – Nutrients like Vitamin C and antioxidants can support eye health.
🚬 Avoid Smoking – Smoking increases your risk of cataracts.
👓 Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key to managing eye health as you age.  However, if your vision is fading or has become cloudy, we can help. Call us to schedule an exam today.

While cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people, you can take steps to delay their development and keep your eyes healthy! Here are a few ways to protect your vision:

🌞 Wear Sunglasses – UV protection helps prevent lens damage.
🥦 Eat a Healthy Diet – Nutrients like Vitamin C and antioxidants can support eye health.
🚬 Avoid Smoking – Smoking increases your risk of cataracts.
👓 Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key to managing eye health as you age.

However, if your vision is fading or has become cloudy, we can help. Call us to schedule an exam today.
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2 weeks ago
If youve met your Medicare or medical insurance deductible for the year and youve been told you have cataracts, nows a great time for cataract surgery. Dont wait any longer to see clearly!

If you've met your Medicare or medical insurance deductible for the year and you've been told you have cataracts, now's a great time for cataract surgery. Don't wait any longer to see clearly! ... See MoreSee Less

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