Run! DON'T even think about using him. I have been trying to find a place to warn people about him and his office for years. I went to him in 2011 before reviews were online. I went in for a mohl removal on my eyelid. They took out a wedge of eyelid and sewed it back together. I had to go back to the office a day after they removed the stitches because I was feeling iritataton, turns out they left a stich behind! At my follow up I told him I was seeing double in that particular eye. He said it was an astigmatism and would go away after a while and not to worry. It never resolved itself. I have been left with a permanent astigmatism and have to wear glasses. I regret going to this "doctor" so badly if I could go back in time I would. He ruined my perfect 20/20 vision forever. Also, don't be fooled by how nice the office is. It's all an expensive facade. read more

Everything went well, eye was blind but now eye can see, literally! Anyone who has Cataracts should get it done. Dr. Hugo Higa is a professional at what he does!! In my left eye, I couldn't even clearly see two feet in front of me. Everything was blurry and faces were unrecognizable 6 feet in front of me. My right eye was slightly blurry. I was in disbelief but I am a believer now. Everything is clear as day and even at night, I was blinded by oncoming car lights. I couldn't even see the colors on the traffic lights 20 yards in the front of me, but it all changed after Dr. Higa did what I doubted. I learned to live with it, thinking it was Impossible to cure, but it's real and it's not impossible. If life is a blur, you have to see Dr. Hugo Higa at Island Ophthalmology...phone # 947-2020. Eye can see again. Thnx Doc read more

Dr Hugo Higa is the bomb!! I've seen him for cataract surgery, eye lids lift surgery and when he did it before, fat removal. Also see him for regular eye check ups and glaucoma check ups. Services are awesome. Wait times have gone down, but I would wait to see a really great doctor!!! read more

So far so good. I will say whenever I try to make an appointment. I'm never asked what time works best for me. Instead, the person on the phone schedules dates for me with no explanation, options are also not provided. I also wasn't informed as to how long the appointments will be. It feels as the person is scheduling according their conveniences opposed to properly informing the customer..What's obvious to them may not be obvious to the customer. Over informing is always better than under informing. read more

At the end of August 2024, I made an appointment to see Dr. Hugo Higa for the purpose of discussing options to rid myself of having to wear glasses, reading or otherwise, for the rest of my life. I'm a 65 year old Caucasian male, in excellent health and free of any medical conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues. I'm also at a healthy weight for my age. I'm six feet tall and weigh 160 pounds. Taking this all into consideration, the doctor determined I was an excellent candidate for intraocular lens replacement. Following a brief consultation, I agreed to go through with the procedure which involved having my natural lenses removed and replaced with artificial ones. We agreed upon a new state of the art procedure, the Johnson & Johnson multifocal ODYSSEY lens which enables one to see at various distances and eliminate the necessity of reading glasses. Presbyophia was my main concern along with my distant vision having progressively deteriorated as well. It was suggested I rely on reading glasses or contacts, but I just wasn't having it and insisted on going through with the procedure. The surgery was performed by Dr. Hugo Higa himself on two separate occasions in January 2025. Each eye was done separately allowing for one eye to heal and adjust before doing the other eye. The procedure was performed at the Surgery Center of the Pacific on South Beretania Street. It was quick and painless and I was lucid during the entirety of the procedure having only been administered a mild anesthetic. The staff was accommodating and friendly making the entire process go smoothly. All my needs were attended to which put me at ease. After each procedure, I was sent home to rest and given eyedrops to be used repeatedly throughout the day in order to expedite the healing process and prevent infection. I was also provided with an eye shield to wear at night while sleeping to prevent me from rubbing my eyes. During my post operative appointments with Dr. Higa, the staff was, as always, accommodating and friendly. I was ensured that my eyesight was fine but that my adjustment to the new lenses could take some time. I was, at first, uneasy, having experienced blurry vision, which I was told by the doctor is completely normal immediately following the procedure, but with patience and confidence in Dr. Higa's expertise, I was eventually able to come to terms with the situation and realize that there was nothing to worry about and that I was in good hands. I most recently had my one month post operative appointment with the doctor and have been told that my vision acuity is now 20/20 and that the outcome of the procedure, was as expected, a success. Having allowed myself, at this point in my life, to have made the decision to follow through with this procedure has been truly a life changing experience for me. It's given me a renewed confidence in myself along with being able to continue working without always needing to fumble with reading glasses in order to complete a task. Not only that, but the world around me is so much more beautiful having everything come into focus. The clarity is amazing. In closing, if determined to be a viable candidate for this procedure, I recommend and encourage anyone with the desire to do so to consult with Dr. Hugo Higa. His office is conveniently located at 1600 Kapiolani Boulevard nearby Ala Moana Shopping Center. He is, in my opinion, and I'm sure many others as well would agree, a highly qualified ophthalmologist with years of experience in his profession. His staff is welcoming and friendly and every visit to his office is always a pleasure. read more

I took my mom here for an eye appointment. She seems satisfied and I am impressed with the Star Trek display in the lobby. "Live long and dilate." Parking Tip: Entrance to the parking garage is on Makaloa Street. It's a bit odd since the street address is 1600 Kapi'olani Blvd. read more

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His honest hard working friendly caring has lots of personality i love dr Hugo higa work@!

I love Dr. Higa, the girls at the front, and for the most part the assistants in the back, but not today. I had an appointment actually with the glaucoma specialist, and that visit itself was great. The thing that upset me today is with one of the assistants. I think his name was Josh. I approached him kindly, and said that I don't meant to take it out on you, but my appt was @8:30, and it's already 9:11. I need to leave because I'm supposed to leave @9 for work. He was blunt and rude, and actually irritated me more than that I already was. He told me well if you have to go, then go. You'll need to reschedule, are you you going to reschedule? I then asked, where was the doctor, is he not done yet with his 8am appt. He looked at me annoyed and said that if your appointment was 8:30, then you would be seen 9:30 right? That would be 1hr. I was so confused and said I don't understand. At that point, the assistant that did my tests came, and said that she would get the doctor. Firstly, I wasn't aware that I was going to be taking multiple tests, and the appt was an hour. You know when you're in healthcare, which I was myself several years ago. You need to have empathy and patience. It is not the patient's responsibility to accommodate or be the one to give "great customer service" This is the first time I've experienced this type of attitude and response from healthcare. I will continue to see Dr. Higa and my glaucoma specialist. They're excellent at what they do and I feel safe in their care for my eyes. I've never had a problem with the girls in the front or the assistants in the back, until today. I did not deserve that kind of attitude. Upon my appointment, I was very nervous and to be honest scared of the outcome of my appointment. That did not help me at all. Thankfully, the specialist was very kind and empathetic and patient. read more

Dr Parnell saw us right away and was able to get me to emergency surgery for my eyes. He and Dr Higa have always been amazing to care for me. Thank you to everyone at the Pan Am building staff. read more

My cataract surgery went very well I feel wounderful great and feels good I can walk better I just feel good a much more happier thanks to Doctor Huga Higa read more

Disappointed in the results, which left worse bags under my eyes and cost was exorbitant. Worse yet, the office billed my insurance company for an eye exam never performed, and trying to bill me a copay 2 years after the follow up. For cataract surgery, I wouldn't use this surgeon either. There are others who do a better job. I kept asking if he could fix the lines left on the lids, he kept saying it will go away. It never did. Scars are noticeable. Hard learned lesson read more

It's been been six months and only now I'm posting. I have no regrets about the decision to have my eyelids done by Dr Hugo Higa. I love it

Kind, trustworthy and experienced, with the highest level of medical expertise and proficiency. You are in the best and most skilled hands with Dr. Higa. read more

I set up an appointment 2 weeks prior. I received a reminder a couple if days before the date. I was greeted warmly by the receptionist and filkee out necessary fires for a new patient. The waiting room was comfortable and not at all cold. The staff was friendly and professional. I felt at ease. After the initial exams by the nurse, I met Dr Higa. He was very friendly and diagnosed my problem. He was able to explain my solution and demonstrated what I needed to do to alleviate the symptoms. All in all, the visit was very good. read more

I have been waiting for more than one hour to see Dr. Higa. I hear staffs and Dr. Higa taking and talking ... making me wait longer longer. I would not come back again. What a waiting time just sitting for a long time. read more

THIS PERSON IS FRAUD!!! This person talks highly about himself on his paid TV advertising commercial. When you decide to see this person for a diagnosis (no work done just advisement on what he can do for your next visit), his business will charge your insurance over $300 and send you remaining balance due years after the date of service. That's how unorganized this fraud for 'ophthalmologist' is. Furthermore, expect to wait at least an hour and a half or more when you reserve an appointment. The staff will let you wait as long as it takes without recognizing how long you have been patient not showing any signs of respecting your time schedule. If I could rate lower of this fraud I would!!! WORST Ophthalmologist on the ISLAND!!!! read more

Sad to say...overall their office is more concerned about patient volume vs. quality patient care. I learned this a little too late, but better late than never. The initial care/consultation was good. After surgery follow up care...NOT GOOD. Made a follow up appointment 6 months in advanced at a time so I wouldn't have to take off of work (again) only to have the office manager call me and tell me that I needed to come in earlier. After explaining that I had this appointment for the last six months for a reason, I was basically told that I can either come early or it's my problem (probably cause they already have a good sum of my/my insurance company's money. So...I never went back. My referring doctor and I will not be making any recommendations to him anytime soon. read more

I normally do not write YELP reviews, I want to share a positive experience as a patient. Both my husband and I go to Dr, Higa as an Ophthalmologist and find him to be very professional and informative, His staff are very caring and also professional, Waiting time is normal for a doctors office, I had a Brow lift in 2016 and was very happy with the results, My eyes are bigger and brighter and peripheral vision has improved. Scar not visible as hair grew back on brows Very happy with the services at Dr Higa's office and Surgery Center, read more

Omg, appointment scheduled for surgery at 9:00 a.m. Didn't get in till 10:30. Is this the norm? Almost as bad as an "office visit" with him. read more

Dr. Higa and His staff are AWESOME and very professional. He answered every question I had with patience, reassuring knowledge and confidence that made me feel at ease and gave me peace of mind. I visited Him at Waianae Vision Care, at His Pali Momi office and had Cataract Surgery performed by Him in town and every visit was a pleasure and surgery performed by Him was fast, painless and easy. He took the time to talk story with me and showed me Aloha. Before surgery my vision was poor and blurry. I now see in HD. :-) Thank you very much Dr. Higa and Staff, once again you guys are Awesome. God bless. read more

I visited Dr. Higa when I noticed that I started having problems reading close up. He and his staff were very friendly and engaging. My appointment was For 10:15 and I was sitting in a chair just minutes after arriving in the office. After my evaluation, I decided to pick up a pair of reading glasses and a pair that were described to me as "progressive" lenses that I could use while reading but could wear even when I wasn't. I don't have any complaints, it was a great experience. Great staff, exam, choices in glasses frames, good prices. I would recommend to anyone. Nice office btw! read more

I have been going to see the Esthetician there Stephanie Frazier and I've been getting the Vazor Shape, I am hooked! I have been going once a week for 4 weeks and seeing results! You must try it if you need a little help with the belly fat or spare tire area;o I plan on doing other areas too! It's a non invasive treatment that melts away your unwanted fat!! no need to go under the knife, this is such a comfortable treatment, you just want to take a nap while you are melting your fat away! Stephanie is awesome;) it's a very comfortable setting and so relaxing, she also does many of other treatments I plan on doing too. They got a lot of deals going on right now to so i wouldn't wait too long to make your appointments! read more

All around greatest from cosmetic care to eye exams. I love everything about Dr. Higa, his staff and the environment his company has created. The office is so comfortable and friendly. Been going to Dr. Higa for many years now and am ashamed it took me this long to write this review. I've recommended his care to several friends and most recently to my 70+ year old hubby who needed another opinion. He is as happy as I am with Dr. Higa. Mahalo for all you do. Rhonda P. read more

Well the people here were really GREAT! They fixed up my glasses without a second thought and were relaxed and kind. They had no trouble figuring out the problem. The employees were AWESOME, they had a fun LOVING attitude that made me feel sooo comfortable. The place is beautifully spacey and had a HUGE TV on the wall. Even if it was my first time going there without even an appointment. Definitely come see these guys!!!! read more

I am not writing in reference in reference to Dr. Higa's medical care. I am sure he is a fine doctor, but his treatment of a woman, a senior citizen, he identified in Waianae for cataract surgery in his Honolulu office was, I think, truly awful. He scheduled the appointments for 7:00 am and 7:30 am, knowing that the patient would be coming from Waianae on the other side of the island in the heart of rush hour traffic. The appointment for the first eye lasted at most an hour or an hour and a half. For the second appointment, stuck in traffic, we called the office as a courtesy to let them know that we would be running10 minutes late--assuming, of course, that the appointment was scheduled at least 15 minutes ahead of time, as most doctor's appointments are. Indeed we were sitting 1/2 an hour in the waiting room before they brought my friend back, and another half hour before the previous surgery was wheeled out ( the receptionist told us later that that surgery was running late.) At that time my friend was taken into the pre-surgery hospital room. Three hours later I asked the receptionist how much longer the surgery would be. She checked and told me the surgery wouldn't start for an hour and a half at least. My friend was waiting four hours in a room by herself with no tv or reading material and was not released until five hours after we got there. The reason we were given was that we were 10 minutes late, so they did surgery on the person scheduled after us who had a much longer operation. We waited five hours for being 10 minutes late--this after the 2 hours it took to drive into town. I don't want to believe that this doctor prioritizes patients with good insurance who he did not meet on the poor side of the island, but it really looks this way. read more

GO ELSEWHERE! Buyer BEWARE & don't believe the tv ads. Even after multiple surgeries the results came out hideous & unattractive. Both eyelids & eyes are uneven in size & appearance! read more

Dr. Higa and office staff were very nice and professional. I really think Dr. Higa tried and maybe I am just being naive. I went in with bags under my eyes and almost 2 years later and 4500.00 less in my purse I still have bags under my eyes. read more

Dr. Higa performed cataract surgery on both eyes; two flawless procedures. I've seen him several times in the past two years, for surgical evaluation, surgery, and follow-up appointments. He's got a wide range of training and experience, including volunteer work with free clinics in developing countries. The office staff is competent and caring; they handled the insurance without a hitch. His optometrist associate Dr. Su also A-1. I recommend this opthamology practice without reservation. read more