About the Founder & President
Eye Doctor in Honolulu, HI
A Comprehensive Approach
For many patients, Dr. Michael D. Bennett and the Bennett Eye Institute are their last chance for vision before blindness. Dr. Bennett understands the physical and emotional impact of such a diagnosis and combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate patient care. As a result, his patients who suffer from macular degeneration and diabetes can face the possibility of blindness and see their way through it: both figuratively and literally. He treats diseases of the vitreous, macula and retina including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachments. He approaches retinal health in a comprehensive way. Dr. Bennett educates patients on the systemic causes of blindness and counsels them and their families through the overwhelming possibility of sight loss. One-on-one, he helps patients grapple with their disease, discussing all potential options that may allow them to preserve vision.
Community Outreach
His educational approach branches into both the medical and general community in Hawaii. Because of his daily encounter with patients facing preventable blindness, Dr. Bennett created Project Vision; a non-profit mobile screening program that provides free retinal scans to underserved populations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. He recognizes the need for eye specialists on the neighbor islands and sees patients in Kona, Hilo, and Maui. Dr. Bennett also conducts telemedicine with the neighbor islands and places like Guam, Okinawa, and Japan. For cases that require surgery, the patient is typically flown to Honolulu where Dr. Bennett operates.
Education
Dr. Bennett is an associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. He trained at the premier Vitreoretinal Surgery division of Emory School of Medicine. He completed a two-year vitreoretinal surgical fellowship and was awarded a prestigious Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellowship. After graduating top of his class, Dr. Bennett was inducted into the National Medical Honor Society, Alpha Omega Alpha. A strong athlete, Dr. Bennett received his B.A. in chemistry from the University of Virginia while on a scholarship for swimming. He twice qualified for the U.S. Olympic swim team trials, was world ranked in the 400 individual medley and subsequently competed as a professional tri-athlete. Although his medical work fills the time he once gave to competitive athletic training, he remains an active athlete. He has finished numerous Ironman races including the world championship in Kona, and has been awarded All-American tri-athlete honors. Dr. Bennett also competes in ultra Marathons and paddleboard races.
Dr. Bennett is the only doctor listed from Hawaii on Ocular Surgery News – Best Surgeons in the USA
Read the Article
Dr. Bennett is the also the only doctor listed from Hawaii as one of the Best Cataract Surgeons in America.
View His Profile
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
Comment on Facebook
🔍 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 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
As we enjoy this Memorial Day with friends and family, let us not forget the true meaning of this day. Take time to honor and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay #freedom ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
💧 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 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
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
Comment on Facebook
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
Comment on Facebook