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Our Mission: Improving lives with the gift of sight. We work to supply best quality care with a individual touch. Our doctors are impeccably trained. We all like to think of our patients as members of our ohana. From a modest start, The Hawaiian Eye Center has grown by its dedication to quality.
Reviews (23)
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S. N.
Sep 13, 2021
I just had cataract surgery on my right eye with Dr. Pitts! He has a wonderful bedside manner and makes you feel so comfortable and relaxed (very stressful for me to have any surgery on my eyes). Another person who was so sweet, caring with a bubbly personality was Kelli! Her bubbly personality was just awesome. The entire staff from Dr. Pitts to the anesthesiologist to all the staff were so sweet and nice! *****
Vic K.
Jul 20, 2021
I had a horrible experience with this company. To me it feels like they took advantage of the situation to charge me more money where in fact they know that my eyeglasses are not covered by my insurance at that time but never said or advised me anything. No one wants to talk to me about my concern. They just want money (payment) for the mistake they made.
Randal A.
Dec 27, 2019
I'm very impressed with the front desk receptionist! They were very professional and accommodating! Ashly went beyond her call to help my mom find a doctor to sign a release form which we know it's hard to make appts and see a doctor the same day but Ashly made it happen! My mom who is from Lanai and don't have a PCP here in Oahu to sign a release for Pre- Operative!

She almost had to go back to Lanai to see her doctor than come back for the surgery within a week! This saved time and money for mom! I was so impressed I decided to make an appointment myself and check my eyes! Plus they have a new location in Kunia! Large clean offices with a restroom and ample parking! Doctors takes time to explain their diagnosis, process and procedures and answer your concerns! It's just a great experience! So if you looking to care for your eyes look no more you found it!
Joy R.
Aug 02, 2019
NO PRACTICE OF HAND HYGIENE! There's literally a hand sanitizer pump right by the computer but NO worker has ever used it. I witnessed all these aides/techs administer eye drops into patient's eyes without washing their hands first. This center is mainly working with the elderly population that has gotten eye surgery. there's a high risk of receiving an eye infection without proper hygiene skills. I'm an RN, and I have to remind these health care "professionals" to sanitize their hands before administering eye drops into my grandmothers eyes. Future clients, PLEASE be aware and PROTECT yourself. Remind your health care workers to wash/sanitize their hands before administering any type of medication.
Jade O.
May 01, 2019
The only reason why this place gets three stars is because Mary is the most awesome person there, she was so amazing and patient with my two boys even when my oldest was being a little difficult she was calm and even helped out with my 4 year old with giving him some things to color. Her, Gen and Doctor Pitt are the only reason why I still bring my son here, Mike who first helped us was completely unprofessional and impatient with my boys he was rude, just left my son when first checking his eyes and didn't want anything to do with him when my son voiced that he was nervous, that's when Mary and Gen took charge and we're absolutely amazing.just going off the interaction with Mike I wouldn't have came back.

The rest of the staff was friendly though my advice for the company is not to have Mike participate with ANY patients that are children or Elderly he's way too rude and impatient.
Cheryl F.
Apr 18, 2019
So my daughter had to get her eyes checked for the first time and we were referred here to Hawaiian eye in Wahiawa. I like the fact that before your appointment they sent a reminder along with forms that need to be filled out. The day of her appointment we walked in and walked to the front desk. I told the two girls that I have the paperwork that was sent to me.

The girls up front was helpful but they seem to busy to even look up and greet. I felt like they don't acknowledge the clients that come in. Then she say to my daughter stand right there I need to take a picture for your file, look up look at the camera thanks. Like that's exactly what she said. The customer service could be better maybe they could smile and greet.

So a lady called my daughter to the back we followed her into a room. Then that's where I meet Fresh. She was so polite to my daughter she explained step-by-step what she was doing. My daughter was scared of putting the drops in her eye but then Fresh reassured her that everything is going to be OK. That it might sting but she'll be OK my daughter loves having to talk to Fresh she had conversations with each other and my daughter askasked questions. Overall Fresh did her job the best to her abilities. The girls up front needs adjustment but the visit was good.
Zhaerra C.
Oct 24, 2018
I normally go elsewhere but I left a message yesterday and this morning to that office with no response! Thanks to the staff at Hawaiian Eye Center I told them my concerns and wondered if I could be seen today even if I haven't been there. It is sort of an emergency as I suddenly lost my vision with intense pain to my eyes. They had my on hold a a short period and was able to see me.

I called them a million times for directions and they were so patient and explained in detail. I walked in with a cheerful welcoming hello.? The office ". I was full thought I had to wait long but it didn't matter to "5 minutes me since I just called today AND was a new patient so can't complain. The longest part of my visit was filling up standard forms and since I couldn't see well of course it takes long.

After finishing up forms not more than "5" minutes I was called in to get checked. The did several test on me had other opinions from other doctors. Next thing you know I was done! Thank You to ALL staff members from Hawaiian Eye Center Wahiawa for the Best Service Ever for my eye exam. The doctors explained the plans and eye drops I was going to need. Keep up the great work!
Alyssa L.
Jun 10, 2018
This review is about 2 years overdue, but I am still seeing the consequences now from my visits with Dr. Rhee. I came in 2015 for an eye appt to get prescription glasses. Ended up buying the newest Tory Burch frames which were almost $200. Glasses came in, and I told the employee it was very blurry. Of course "it takes a few days to adjust" so I go home with them. Wore the prescriptions for a few days and my headaches were constant, and vision super blurry when using them. Went back for another appt and what do you know, the first prescription was way too strong.

I also have astigmatism so one eye was seeing even worse than the other. New prescription came in, still getting headaches. This time I had to go to their Waipahu location since dr was not in Wahiawa. Did another eye exam, they were adamant that this time it was "so small of a difference that it wouldn't have any affect in my vision" via the glasses. Upsetting.

I let the sales worker make me believe it was somehow the fact that I did not have the "anti glare" feature on my glasses. So I paid $80 more to have hay added. No improvements. They insisted that I stick with this prescription, obviously reluctant to refund me, and that if I were to change it wouldn't make a difference. Nearly a year later I could not wear those any longer.

My vision had deteriorated immensely from using these. I went from only needing them at night time and for certain reading, to needing them during the daytime and night time driving, when looking at a computer from a certain distance, to barely even being able to see the ground. I went to a real optometrist at Costco who examined me eyes and gave me another exam.

Low and behold, the prescriptions from Hawaiian eye were MUCH stronger than I needed. There goes decent vision and a good $280 down the drain. My vision has very obviously deteriorated as I nearly need glasses for daily activity.
Gil M.
Apr 18, 2018
What a racket they got going there, $85.00 for check up. Very unhappy about the whole situation.
Renona Nona M.
Mar 20, 2018
I wanted to leave a review since I recently moved to Florida and returned to come in for my follow up appointment. Initially, I was having a tough time with glare and reading. About 1 month later, I see great. I was recommended Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery with a Symfony lens. I can see distance, mid range, and near without glasses. I am very pleased and the extra money was well worth it! It's too bad insurance does not cover the most updated technology.

Since I no longer need glasses, I will miss Carmen in Optical as she treats everyone like family. Her laugh is contagious! Thank you Stacy and Carmen for recommending sunglasses with no prescription! Thank you Fresh for always being professional and caring like one of my daughters! Your laugh and professionalism is so welcoming. I will miss you! I think everyone should know Hawaiian Eye Center has a great surgery center staff.

So much professionalism and they always asked me how I was doing throughout the surgery. The way they treated me and guided me throughout the procedure was very professional. I never had a question because they kept telling me what to expect. Once I got to Dr Tortora, I felt relieved. The music helps! I think it was anxiety. Minutes later he was done and I felt my warm comfortable body get up and walk.

I opened my eyes and could immediately see. It was an amazing and quick recovery. Very little drops, an eye patch for bedtime, and a follow up appointment. SIMPLE. I left without an eye patch. I recommend Hawaiian Eye Center to everyone in Hawaii. They offer transportation on surgery day and the driver is patient, caring, and professional. 5 stars for all these great medical professionals!

I am so happy and I brag about my lens and Doctor Tortora to my family and friends. They always ask me "where are your glasses"? I respond, "Dr Tortora fixed my eyes, call them".
Kelly R.
Mar 14, 2018
Sad. I have been a patient for so long the computer only holds my last 7 years. I've been seeing dr. Way before they remodeled the office. Back then, financial matters were dealt with in private behind the reception Area. This morning No how are you? No good morning. Sadder. I do have to verify that I paid already though. It's protocol. saddest.

Medicine and money. The lobby really isn't a dignified area to discuss either. Edited 3/14 930pm Thank you for your response. This was posted before WE spoke. I have had you as my doctor for a really long time. Over 15 years i believe. After our discussion and i relayed my issue was regarding financial privacy, and respect. What may appear as no big deal to some, is a huge deal to me.

I had spoken to your office manager months ago about this. Nothing changed. Dr Tortora, you and your medical staff are professional and provide excellent care. I just miss the days where your front office staff possessed the same.
Leo Enos
Dec 16, 2017
The only thing the cataract surgery did was turn everything around me bright. My experience there was less than I had anticipated. I thought in time my vision would get better but it didn't. My glasses are no better than the old ones except for the brightness. In fact, I feel like I'm straining my eyes. Disappointed to the max.
Patricia Chong
May 11, 2017
Friendly staff members and awesome service during my mother's appointments. The only problem we faced after letting them know the importance of getting my mothers glasses was they failed to call us as soon as the glasses were available. I had to call to follow up and check what was taking so long and the response we got was "Oh it's been ready for pick up since 2 days ago". That upset me because they failed to see the importance of getting the glasses sooner.
Jennifer C.
Feb 23, 2017
My dad has been coming to Hawaiian eye center for years. They call him to remind him of his appointments. When he goes in the staff are always so friendly. They take their time to explain things to him and make him feel comfortable. Both doctor Tortora and Rhee provide such great care. I would definitely recommend Hawaiian eye center to my friends and family.
Jamie K.
Sep 24, 2016
Nice staff and doctors but if you don't like to wait 1-2 hours past your appointment time to actually see the doctor, I say go someplace else. Seems like they try and schedule too many people around the same time. Never schedule another doctors appointment if you are coming here first.
Pamela T.
Jun 30, 2016
The staff is good but they seem to get their signals crossed when it comes to setting appointments. We have been to the clinic in Waipahu too and the staff called a lot to remind us of our appointments but they had the days wrong. Also, my mom was due to have cataract surgery but there was a mishap with the anesthesia. She's okay but had to sport a huge bruise under her eye for a week or so.

The doctors are nice as are the rest of the staff. Would I recommend this eye clinic? Yes but make sure you know all the details of your procedures and the possible outcomes first.
Chris V.
Feb 18, 2016
Parking is a joke to start, but they have very helpful employees to help find you a spot, etc. the parking lot guys are nice and respectful. Front counter staff is nice and expeditious. I have never had a long wait like others have stated. Techs, nurses, etc are all very friendly and thorough. My issue is 100% with Dr Torturo. I am sure he is knowledgeable and good but as far as friendly, nope. Thorough, nope. Gives you any sort of feeling that you are getting help, nope. Compassion, never felt any.

While I believe that this is a good asset for those of us living North Shore rather than going to town, today was definitely my last visit and I will drive through the traffic to find a DR who will do more, explain more, listen to my questions, look at me while talking. Call me old fashioned, oh well, plenty more out there.
Rodney Martinez
Dec 17, 2015
If you make an appointment for 10. Expect to arrive at 10 and get seen at 1030 or 11. Very slow. Why make appointments. I have 4 clients who have to go here and each time they make us wait at least 30 mins before they call us. Again, why make appointments?
Wesley A.
Nov 30, 2015
Aloha Hawaiian Eye Center in Wahiawa. Took care of my wife Wanda when she had a cataract in her left eye. We were referred to an ophthalmologist at Kuakini physicians building. We decided not to go to that doctor because he couldn't work as into a schedule. We selected Hawaiian Eye Center in Wahiawa because of good recommendations from friends who had cataract surgery there We are so glad we went there to the Hawaiian Eye Center.

They treated us with the utmost respect and the highest level of customer service that we have ever experienced. Everyone was very competent and professional. From the receptionist to the technicians to the doctors and nurses. They all did an excellent job they kept us well informed of everything that they were going to do. They were great at follow ups even the valet guy was a real nice guy too! We highly recommend the Hawaiian Eye Center for anyone if you have any eye problems that is the first place we will go again. Mahalo Wes and Wanda Anzai -Mililani
Sallyilustrado H.
Apr 18, 2015
Dr. Tortora did my auntys cataract surgery last year. She comes all the way from lanai for her follow up exams. She doesn't mind, he's very professional and so is Dr. Rhee and Dr. Mack. The staff is friendly and so accommodating. Free wifi and that's how I found out about their YELP. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone needing an eye doctor!
Rhome Z.
Jan 02, 2015
I got hurt from work which my right eye was bothering me. I reported the accident to my employer which I was directed to worker's comp. I never missed a single day of work due to my injury but I finally gave in to my wife's request to follow through, and have my eye checked for a peace of mind. Here is my experience with Hawaiian eye in wahiawa.

I left work early and lost 6 hours of productivity to head down to wahiawa from my Aiea work site. My appointment was 1:30 pm but I got there by 1:00pm. Their parking is confusing so I end up just parking on the street just to realized that they have an additional parking on the other side of the building. I did my Initial paperworks and end up waiting outside due to a lot of people are waiting that day and chairs inside are mostly taken.

While waiting outside that then I observed that most of the new patients are also confused with the small parking area. Stalls that marked compact were really meant for small "smart"cars. (Goodluck on getting out) Fast forward to 3:30 pm I was finally called in and had my eye examined by the Doctor, I was told later on that my eye seemed ok that he cannot explain why my eye was still blurry after the liquid Nitrogen incident.

The doctor was not sympathetic to my eye problem and offered a full eye exam? If I want. I regreted wasting my time and leaving work early for this. It was 4:30 when I left the location. Im hoping that time will heal my eye but I would never go back to this place. Update 2/14/15 I believe in second chances, as Dr. Tortora stated that they are addressing the problems. I will then elevate 1 star to 3 stars for them trying to resolve the issues. Thank you Dr. T For your response
Chelsea Zola
May 27, 2014
Staff is always willing to help you; clean and friendly office! Even has some Saturday appointments which is nice for working people like me!
Michael Garofalo
Jan 17, 2014
Hawaiian Eye Center has an amazing staff and highly skilled doctors. I got very good services from Hawaiian Eye Center. I'm happy about their surgery center and the clinic s capability to do surgeries.