Medical Director
Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, Cataract & Lens Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Safi is a board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon, specializing in the diseases of the retina, choroid and vitreous. As part of the Eye Center of Hawaiis’ physician team, Dr. Safi also provides the full spectrum of ophthalmologic medical and surgical care.
Dr. Farhad Safi earned his Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in biology, specifically in cell and molecular biology, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Subsequently, he was commissioned as an Army officer and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree with clinical honors from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. After graduating from medical school, he remained in Washington to complete a transitional internship and ophthalmology residency at the renowned Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the flagship of Army medicine. During his residency, he played a crucial role in caring for our service members who sustained severe traumatic eye injuries during the operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Dr. Safi completed a two-year surgical retina fellowship at the renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Eye and Ear Institute, where he honed his skills in advanced and intricate vitreoretinal surgical techniques. Here he was awarded the Chief Resident’s Award by his peers. Subsequently, he served as a vitreoretinal surgeon and chief of ophthalmology service at Tripler Army Medical Center.
Since 2014, Dr. Safi has been affiliated with the Eye Center of Hawaii, where he has performed over 5,000 complex ocular surgical procedures. His passion lies in caring for patients with various eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, retinal detachments, epiretinal membranes, dislocated intraocular lenses, and many more serious eye conditions.
Dr. Safi has received numerous military awards, including the Army Commendation Medal twice, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is also a member of several esteemed medical societies, including the American Society of Retina Specialists, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the Society of Military Ophthalmologists, and the Hawaii Ophthalmologic Society. Dr. Safi is also fluent in five languages including Russian, Dari, Pashto, and Tajik, with knowledge in another three.
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Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can steal your vision slowly without you noticing. It usually starts with your peripheral vision, and by the time symptoms appear, some damage may already be done. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch it early and protect your sight for the years ahead. ... See MoreSee Less
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Our eyes have natural blind spots where the optic nerve connects to the retina, but you probably never notice them. That’s because your brain fills in the missing information, stitching together glimpses from your eyes into a complete picture! #FunFactFriday ... See MoreSee Less
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As we get older, it’s common for the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy. Cataracts can slowly make colors seem duller and everyday activities like reading or driving more difficult. The good news is that today’s cataract surgery can restore clearer vision and help you get back to the things you enjoy most. Schedule an exam to learn about your options. 👁️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Macular degeneration affects the part of your vision you rely on most for everyday tasks. It can make your vision blurry, dim, or distorted. If something in your central vision doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth getting it checked.
Our team is here to help you protect your vision. Schedule an appointment to learn more! 📞 ... See MoreSee Less
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We are proud to welcome Dr. Elwishahi to our Waipahu office. Dr. Elwishahi is committed to improving the vision, health, and quality of life of Hawaiʻi’s communities through comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based eye care that is personalized to meet the unique needs of each patient. Call us today to schedule your exam! ... See MoreSee Less
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You blink about 14,000–19,000 times a day, spreading tears that protect, nourish, and keep your eyes comfortable. Blinking is one of your eyes’ most important defense systems.
But did you know, you may not be blinking right? You may not be fully closing your eyes, or blinking enough? It can be one of the causes of dry eye and one of the MANY things we check for in our comprehensive screening. It’s one of the reasons our dry eye team has so many happy and relieved patients!
#FridayFact ... See MoreSee Less
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