
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 year of optometry school, Dr. Kashiwa was introduced to AMIGOS Eye Care, a non-profit organization of students, doctors and lay people, and the university’s affiliate of VOSH International, one of the largest eye care-providing organizations in the world, partnering with the World Health Organization.
Touched by the group’s purpose, Dr. Kashiwa went on his first mission trip with them to the Philippines. “I still remember the smile on my first patient’s face after she put on glasses and was able to read again,” he says. The following 3 days, the group helped over 1,200 patients by providing eye care through glasses and medication, or connecting those in need with local surgeons for cataract surgery.
“During that trip, I found my passion and knew this is what I was put on this world for,” Dr. Kashiwa says. “I plan on continuing to do these trips for the rest of my life.”
Last month, five optometry students from Pacific University travelled to remote villages in the United Republic of Tanzania, a country in East Africa. Tanzania is a poor country, with the largest proportion of reported persons undernourished in 2010-2012. The team of missionaries provided services in villages with extremely limited resources: very little running water, electricity, and plumbing. In a span of 4 days, the team helped over 600 patients from school-aged kids who are struggling because they cannot see in school to 90-year-olds in desperate need of bifocals.
This was Dr. Kashiwa’s sixth medical mission (previously in Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Nicaragua, and Thailand) and one of his most memorable ones because the people in Tanzania were so grateful and welcoming. Recipients who were provided a new pair of glasses can finally read again, see their loved ones, or simply see their surroundings.
For more information or to donate to AMIGOS Eye Care, visit amigoseyecare.com.
👁️ Did you know? Your pupils are like windows, playing a crucial role in your vision health. They naturally widen in dim lighting to let more light in. But sometimes, they dilate unexpectedly and it can have various causes, such as:
💊 Medications and recreational drugs
💥 Eye & head injuries
🏥 Medical conditions such as migraines, tumors, and Adie's Syndrome.
🦠 Other rare conditions such as microvascular cranial nerve palsy (MCNP) and Benign Episodic Unilateral Mydriasis (BEUM).
Remember, if you experience unusual pupil dilation, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. 👩⚕️👨⚕️ #EyeHealthMatters #PupilPower #lovelife #bennetteyeinstitute #WednesdayWellness ... See MoreSee Less
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👁️ Embracing Healthy Aging Month with 4 Eye-Catching Tips! 👴👵🌟
Let's make sure our windows to the world stay bright and clear for years to come! 🌎💙#healthyaging #eyehealth #agegracefully #bennetteyeinstitute #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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Expand your knowledge with a fun eye fact! Did you know how powerful your eyes are? 🧠💡 Share this amazing fact with your friends! 🤓✨ #FunFactFriday #eyefacts #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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🙏 Gratitude in Words 🙌
A heartfelt thanks to our incredible patient for taking the time to share their testimonial. Your kind words warm our hearts and inspire us to continue providing the best care possible. 💙 #thankyou #patienttestimonial #grateful #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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👓 Protect those your eyes for years to come! In honor of healthy aging month, here are 5 tips to help you reduce the risk of cataracts and keep your eyes healthy:
😎 Shield from the Sun: Rock those stylish shades to block harmful UV rays and fend off cataract risks.
🍏 Nourish Your Eyes: Load up on colorful fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants to support your eye health.
🚭 Kick the Habit: Stub out that cigarette! Quitting smoking can decrease the chances of cataract development.
🩸 Manage Diabetes: If you're dealing with diabetes, keeping those blood sugar levels in check can lower your risk.
👁️🗨️ Check-in with an Eye Pro: Regular eye check-ups are a must. Stay on top of your eye health game!
While these tips can help, genetics and age also play a role. Consult one of our doctors for personalized advice. Stay vigilant and keep those eyes sparkling for years to come! ✨ #eyehealth #cataractprevention #healthyhabits #HealthyAgingMonth #bennetteyeinstitute #eyecare #lovelife ... See MoreSee Less
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👁️ Seeing Clearly, Living Brightly! 👀✨ Remember, proper lens care is key! Follow these tips to ensure your eyes stay sparkling and comfortable all day long. Let's show our eyes some love! 💙🔍 #contactlenscare #healthyeyeshappyyou #lovelife #bennetteyeinstitute #WednesdayWellness ... See MoreSee Less
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