
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.



The holiday season is full of sparkle—but a few festive favorites can put your eyes at risk. 1. Champagne Corks 🥂 Celebratory toasts can turn dangerous fast. A champagne cork can launch up to 50 mph, causing serious eye injuries. 2. Sharp Tree Branches & Pine Needles 🎄
Decorating the tree often means leaning in close—and those stiff branches can scratch the eye’s surface, leading to painful corneal abrasions. 3. Flying Toys & Projectiles 🎯
Nerf guns, darts, drones, and remote-control gadgets are holiday favorites—but also common causes of eye injuries in ERs every December. 4. Glitter, Craft Supplies & DIY Décor ✨
Holiday crafts are fun, but glitter, adhesives, and decorative sprays can irritate the eyes or cause chemical injuries. 5. Dry Winter Air & Holiday Travel ✈️❄️
Heaters, cold air, and long flights can leave eyes dry, red, and irritated—especially for contact lens wearers.
Take care of your eyes this season! ... See MoreSee Less
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We appreciate our teams and our highly trained doctors who are available to see patients quickly for urgent needs. Your eyes are precious, we are here to help!
#TestimonialTuesday ... See MoreSee Less
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Hau'oli Lā Ho'omaika'i! ... See MoreSee Less
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Mahalo to our community and our patients for making our offices across the islands feel more like an o'hana. ... See MoreSee Less
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We use state-of-the-art retinal imaging and OCT technology to catch even the smallest changes in your eye health—often before symptoms appear. Because your sight deserves precision. Eye Center of Hawaii is your place for your retina care! ... See MoreSee Less
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Healthy can be delicious! 🎃 Try this eye-friendly pumpkin mousse that’s packed with nutrients to support your vision while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Let us know if you give it a try, we’d love to hear what you think! 👇 ... See MoreSee Less
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