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



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!
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Cataract surgery has come a long way.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery allows for greater precision, customization, and the ability to correct astigmatism — helping patients achieve clearer, more predictable results.
Advanced technology. Personalized vision.
Schedule your cataract exam today! ... See MoreSee Less
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