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.


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"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."

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"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."

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"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."

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Fun Fact Friday! Did you know that emotional tears are chemically different from basal and reflex tears? They contain higher levels of stress hormones and endorphins, which may explain why crying can sometimes make us feel better. Have a great weekend, everyone! 😎👀 #happyfunfactfriday #eyecare #healthyeyes #TheMoreYouKnow ... See MoreSee Less

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🔍 Dare to See Clearly! 👀

On this National Dare Day, we challenge you to take a closer look at your vision health. 👁️✨ Don't blink on your eye health! 💪 Get yourself an eye exam and see the world with clarity. 💯 It's time to dare yourself to see the beauty around you, one perfectly focused moment at a time. 😍💫 #NationalDareDay #clearvisiongoals #eyehealthmatters #lovelife #bennetteyeinstitute
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💧 Soothe Your Eyes with Omega-3! 💙  Discover the benefits of omega-3 for dry eye. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function, easing dry eye symptoms. They may also help with other eye diseases. Consult your doctor to find the right omega-3 supplement. Lets keep our vision clear and vibrant! 👀💦 #Omega3Benefits #SootheDryEyes #EyeHealth #HealthyVision #LoveLife #BennettEyeInstitute

💧 Soothe Your Eyes with Omega-3! 💙

Discover the benefits of omega-3 for dry eye. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function, easing dry eye symptoms. They may also help with other eye diseases. Consult your doctor to find the right omega-3 supplement. Let's keep our vision clear and vibrant! 👀💦 #omega3benefits #soothedryeyes #EyeHealth #healthyvision #lovelife #bennetteyeinstitute
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May is Healthy Vision Month, a reminder that healthy eyes are essential for a happy life! Schedule an appointment with us today to make sure your eyes are in top shape and ready to take on life's adventures. Let's work together to prioritize your eye health! 😎👀 #HealthyVisionMonth #prioritizeeyehealth #schedulenow ... See MoreSee Less

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Seeing our patients happy and satisfied with their vision is what drives us every day! Thank you so much to Cristie for sharing your experience with us. We appreciate your kind words and are honored to be your trusted eye care provider. #grateful #happypatients #ThankYou #bennetteyeinstitute #TestimonialTuesday #eyecare #lovelife #ourpatientsareourohana ... See MoreSee Less

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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