Category: Blog

Patient Receives Hawaii’s First Telescope Implant for Macular Degeneration by Retina Institute of Hawaii

A team of surgeons from Hawaii, Dr. Michael Bennett of Retina Institute of Hawaii and Dr. Michael McMann of McMann Institute, has successfully implanted the FDA-approved eye telescope, a first in Hawaii, at one of the leading medical centers in Honolulu. The first-of-kind telescope implant is integral to CentraSight™, a new patient care program for… Read More


Hawaii’s First IMT Patient Receives the Gift of Sight

On January 10, 2012, Merrill Smith underwent the first IMT surgery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since then, he has been working on his vision and training with Dr. Kellen Kashiwa bi-weekly in Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island. Prior to receiving the telescope implant, Smith was nearly blind. His vision has improved remarkably from 20/200 to 20/80… Read More


Preventative Measures

Many people slather on sunscreen before hitting the waves but don’t give a thought to eye protection while in the water. Chronic sun exposure can lead to a common eye condition called pterygium, a noncancerous growth on the cornea that can affect vision. Surfers and others who spend a lot of time outdoors and in… Read More


An icon in a world full of icons. The BEI concept.

An icon in a world full of icons.  The BEI concept. Fashions, trends, styles.  Here today and gone tomorrow, too many are often short lived.  Only a very few concepts really stand the test of time.  In order to persevere, they need to be greater than the prevailing spirit, to withstand the test of time;… Read More


SPARQ Sensory Performance

PERCEPTUAL SPEED Training Hawaii’s Players to Perform like World-Class Athletes Superhuman, out-of-this-world, unbelievable; these are the words reserved for the most spectacular of athletic feats. For a few years now, researchers have been zeroing in on the magic that allows special athletes to seemingly defy nature with uncanny anticipation, jaw-dropping blind passes, and astoundingly accurate… Read More


Eye Center of Hawaii’s Founder Nationally Recognized for “Bionic Eye”

Dr. Michael Bennett Only Private Sector Surgeon Selected Nationwide. Dr. Michael Bennett MD, FACS, founder of The Eye Center of Hawaii, has been named one of thirteen prestigious surgeons across the United States to conduct the procedure for the Argus® II Retinal Prosthesis System. The Argus II (also called the “bionic eye”) is an implantable… Read More


Retina Institute of Hawaii’s OD Provides Optometric Humanitarian Work

Dr. Kellen Kashiwa Completes His 6th Medical Mission 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… Read More


Retina Institute of Hawaii’s CFO Completes 135 Mile Run for Hungry

Paul Sibley runs in memory of Trevor Sims While the doctors at Retina Institute of Hawaii have consistently been recognized for awards, the supporting team makes amazing contributions as well. Paul Sibley, Chief Financial Officer, completed a 135-mile run from New Orleans to Baton Rouge to honor the memory of a little boy whose last… Read More


Retina Institute of Hawaii Participating in Day of Giving: Vision

The Retina Institute of Hawaii is proud to be a part of Surgicare of Hawaii’s “Day of Giving” on May 11, 2013. Dr. Karl E. Waite, MD and Sara Lynn Doolin, RNFA are pioneering the initiative on behalf of Retina Institute of Hawaii and Hawaii Cataract and Laser Institute by performing FREE surgeries at Surgicare… Read More


ARGUS II Retinal Prosthesis System Receives FDA Approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Ophthalmic Devices Panel recently reviewed and approved the groundbreaking ARGUS II Retinal Prosthesis System. Manufactured by Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., the device will allow partial vision restoration to patients who are blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This is the first treatment for this condition that is… Read More


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What our

Patients Say

"The service here is commendable. I feel very comfortable when I’m here, and there’s progress with my vision. Always good results. Nothing needs to be improved here."

Veronica

"Well worth the 3-hr drive I made to get to my first appt. I told Dr. Safi I will follow him anywhere. He’s the best. I trust him; he’s an Army doctor, and they see worse things up at Tripler because of the military exposure. And he’s always in a good mood; helps put you at ease. I recommend you guys to everyone."

Violette

"It’s almost like I was born on the day of the surgery.  This has definitely been life-changing for me. Every day I am evolving, finding out things I couldn’t do before that I can do now."

Tiaturi T.

"My provider is beyond proficient. Not only is my provider professional, knowledgeable, and caring, but actually prays with you before surgical procedures. Nothing like knowing you are in the more than capable hands of two beings."

John B.

"Wonderful office and staff. Very professional, knowledgeable and a sincere demeanor with clients. I would highly recommend their services."

Alice W.
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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 🦃🥧✨
... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago

1 CommentComment on Facebook

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.
... See MoreSee Less

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

3 weeks ago
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Locations

OAHU LOCATIONS

Main Office Yacht Harbor Professional Center
1620 Ala Moana Boulevard
Suite 500
Honolulu, HI 96815
Tel: (808) 955-0255

Mary Savio Medical Plaza
98-1247 Kaahumanu Street Suite 310
Aiea, HI 96701
Tel: (808) 955-0255 

Pro Com Plaza
94-216 Farrington Highway
Suite B2-203
Waipahu, HI 96797
Tel: (808) 671-4778

HAWAII LOCATIONS

77-6399 Nalani Street 2nd Floor
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Tel: (808) 329-2010 

346 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Tel: (808) 935-4456

MAUI LOCATION

Kahului Building
23 Paa Street
Kahului, HI 96732
Tel: (808) 877-8955

KAUAI LOCATION

‍4418 Kukui Grove Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Tel: (808) 245-5377