Retina Institute 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 Retina Institute 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 visual prosthetic and was selected in 2013 CNN’s Top 10, Time Magazine’s Best Inventions and in 2014 Cleveland Clinic’s Top 10 Medical Innovations.


Retina Institute is dedicated to patient care with the pursuit of all opportunities to help patients restore vision. Approved by the FDA in February of 2013, ophthalmologists began to implant the Argus II in U.S. patients in late 2013.  Enabling blind individuals to achieve greater independence, The Argus II can help patients see black-and-white images. To date, seventy-four patients have received the implant.

“Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns with their retinal implant. This allows the person to locate lights and windows and identify objects around them,” says Dr. Bennett. “We are very excited to be part of a unique, quality-of-life product that helps patients navigate through life more easily. We look forward to working with our local ophthalmologists and optometrists in identifying and working with those patients who qualify to receive this treatment option.”  Retina Institute has recently identified eight qualified patients for the procedure.



Implanting centers currently offer consultations to patients with retinitis pigmentosa (“RP”), a rare disease that destroys the photoreceptor cells in the eye’s retina. Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal degenerative disease that causes gradual loss of the light-sensitive retinal cells, resulting in slow but progressive vision loss.  The device is intended to provide electrical stimulation of the retina to induce visual perception in blind individuals. Medicare has agreed to cover the device procedure if a patient qualifies.


The doctors at Retina Institute of Hawaii have consistently been recognized for awards, including Best Doctors in the U.S., Best Doctors in Hawaii, Governor’s Innovation, Pacific Business News Business Award, and Retina Society Distinction Award. Visit www.retinahawaii.com or call (808) 955-0255 for a consultation.


Are You a Candidate?

Take our self tests to find out!

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.
read more

Contact Us

Our Facebook Feed

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Say goodbye to floaters and blurry vision! 🌟 Mei's journey to crystal-clear vision was made possible by the incredible team at Bennett Eye Institute. 🤩✨ Rediscover the beauty of life through sharp and vibrant eyesight! 👁️💖 #VisionRestored #bennetteyeinstitute #SeeClearly #retinacare #lovelife #hawaiianlife #IslandEyecare ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
👓 Have you used all of the benefits of your vision plan this year? Most vision plans include an annual eye exam and coverage on glasses and contact lenses. Let us help you check the health of your eyes, reorder your contact lenses or find the perfect eyewear at our Optical Shop in Kona. 📅 👓
#EyeHealth #VisionPlan #BennettEyeInstitute #LoveLife

👓 Have you used all of the benefits of your vision plan this year? Most vision plans include an annual eye exam and coverage on glasses and contact lenses. Let us help you check the health of your eyes, reorder your contact lenses or find the perfect eyewear at our Optical Shop in Kona. 📅 👓
#eyehealth #VisionPlan #bennetteyeinstitute #lovelife
... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
✨ Help is here for your under-eye bags! 🌟 
As we age, tissues around our eyes weaken, leading to sagging and puffiness. Lack of sleep, smoking, allergies, and fluid retention worsen the situation.  You can help decrease these symptoms!
Cool compress: Reduce puffiness with a damp, cool washcloth.
Sleep well: Aim for 7-9 hours nightly.
Raise your head: Minimize fluid settling during sleep.
Limit fluids before bed: Reduce overnight fluid retention.
Quit smoking: Slow collagen loss for thicker skin.
Manage allergies: Minimize symptoms and rubbing.
Cosmetics: Use concealer to cover shadows.  Say hello to brighter, rejuvenated eyes! 👀✨ #EyeCare #UnderEyeSolutions #BeautyTips #BennettEyeInstitute #LoveLife

✨ Help is here for your under-eye bags! 🌟
As we age, tissues around our eyes weaken, leading to sagging and puffiness. Lack of sleep, smoking, allergies, and fluid retention worsen the situation.

You can help decrease these symptoms!
Cool compress: Reduce puffiness with a damp, cool washcloth.
Sleep well: Aim for 7-9 hours nightly.
Raise your head: Minimize fluid settling during sleep.
Limit fluids before bed: Reduce overnight fluid retention.
Quit smoking: Slow collagen loss for thicker skin.
Manage allergies: Minimize symptoms and rubbing.
Cosmetics: Use concealer to cover shadows.

Say hello to brighter, rejuvenated eyes! 👀✨ #eyecare #UndereyeSolutions #beautytips #bennetteyeinstitute #lovelife
... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
🍂 On this day of gratitude and togetherness, the entire Bennett Eye Institute family wishes you a Thanksgiving filled with love and warmth. May your heart be as full as your dinner plate. Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🦃  #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife

🍂 On this day of gratitude and togetherness, the entire Bennett Eye Institute family wishes you a Thanksgiving filled with love and warmth. May your heart be as full as your dinner plate. Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🦃 #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
Its not just our doctors that make a difference in your eye care; its the staff you meet along the way. Every team member is a vital part of our ohana and helping making your time with us exceptional. 🌺 
#Staff #Ohana #BennettEyeInstitue #TestimonialTuesday #LoveLife

It's not just our doctors that make a difference in your eye care; it's the staff you meet along the way. Every team member is a vital part of our 'ohana and helping making your time with us exceptional. 🌺
#staff #ohana #bennetteyeinstitue #TestimonialTuesday #lovelife
... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
Grateful for more than just turkey this Thanksgiving week 🦃🙏 Thankful for all our amazing patients and dedicated staff. Wishing you a week filled with gratitude and good company. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁👁️ #ClearVision #ThankfulForOurPatients #Gratitude #ThanksgivingWeek #BennettEyeInstitute #LoveLife

Grateful for more than just turkey this Thanksgiving week 🦃🙏 Thankful for all our amazing patients and dedicated staff. Wishing you a week filled with gratitude and good company. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁👁️ #clearvision #thankfulforourpatients #gratitude #thanksgivingweek #bennetteyeinstitute #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Load more

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 

126 Puuhonu Way
Hilo, HI 96720
Tel: (808) 935-4456

MAUI LOCATION

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