
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.



Struggling with dry, uncomfortable eyes? 👁️ Dry eye can make even simple tasks frustrating, but effective treatments are available to help your eyes feel healthy and comfortable again. Schedule an appointment with us to find the right solution for you! ... See MoreSee Less
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Adults should have regular eye exams to keep their vision and eye health on track. Ages 18 to 55 should schedule exams at least every two years, more often if they have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease. Adults 55 and up should have yearly exams to monitor for age-related vision changes and eye conditions.
Schedule your eye exam with us today and take charge of your vision! ... See MoreSee Less
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Eye exams do more than check for blurry vision. Regular visits help detect eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration early before they cause serious vision loss. Staying on top of your eye health lets your doctor monitor, diagnose, and treat issues so you can protect your vision for years to come. 👁️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Your eyes work hard every day, make sure they’re protected year-round! Visit our Kona, Kauai, and Kailua optical locations where our opticians can help you find frames and lenses that fit your lifestyle, vision needs, and budget. 🕶️ ... See MoreSee Less
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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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