An ophthalmologist is a medically trained doctor who has undertaken further specialist training and study in matters relating to the human eye.

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What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, orthoptist and optometrist?

They are all professionally trained people who treat those with ophthalmic problems.

Ophthalmologists are medically trained doctors who have undertaken further specialist training and study in matters relating to the human eye. They examine, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the eye. They can prescribe a wide range of medicines, perform eye surgery and typically work in the Hospital Eye Service.

Orthoptists diagnose and treat defects of vision and abnormalities of eye movement. They are usually part of a hospital care team looking after people with eye problems especially those related to binocular vision, amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (squint).

Optometrists examine eyes, give advice on visual problems and prescribe and fit glasses or contact lenses. 

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How can I make an appointment?

All patient services are by appointment only.  Walk-in patients will be seen if urgent, however there may be a wait as scheduled patients have priority.  To schedule an appointment phone (808) 531-8874 during our hours of operation:

Office Hours (by Appt.)
Mon. thru Sat.
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
except Wed. and Sat.

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How do I locate Dr. Chen's Office?

The address is 55 S. Kukui St., Suite C-109, but finding the entrance for the first time can be confusing.  The office is located in Kukui Plaza (ground floor), and can be accessed from the Diamond Head side of the building facing Fort Street Mall.  A map to Dr. Chen's Office can be found here.

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The length of time for an eye examination will depend entirely upon the condition of the eye(s).

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If you have an appointment, our patient schedules are normally on time and there will likely be no wait.

Walk-in patients will be seen if urgent, however there may be a wait as scheduled patients have priority.

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The necessity for patients to have their eyes dilated will depend entirely upon their eye condition.

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Patient co-payments will depend upon the coverage of your insurance plan and will normally range from 0 - 20%.

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Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes’ health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases, such as glaucoma, often develop gradually without causing pain or vision loss – so you may not notice anything wrong until significant and irreversible damage has been done. Early detection of any problems can allow for a choice of treatment options and a reduced risk of further harm.

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One of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to damage the optic nerve. It cannot be prevented, and vision lost to it cannot be restored. The high eye pressure associated with glaucoma is caused by blockages in the eye’s fluid drains. No one knows yet why the blockages form. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

Glaucoma often develops over many years without causing pain – so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Symptoms are occasionally present and should be taken as warning signs that glaucoma may be developing; these include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes.

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Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.

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A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications.

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They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.

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“Dry eye” is the term for when your eyes are insufficiently moisturized, either because they do not produce enough tears or because the tears have an improper chemical composition. It often occurs during the natural aging process, but it can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications (antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antidepressants), climate (low humidity, wind, dust), injury, and various health problems (arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome).

Symptoms include:

Irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes
A burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes
Blurred vision
In addition to being uncomfortable, dry eye can damage eye tissue, scar the cornea and impair vision. Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes.

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Treatment for dry eye can take many forms. Non-surgical methods include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed.

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