I recently had cataract surgery performed by Dr. John Olkowski.

I returned to Dr. Olkowski after he performed LASIK surgery on me about 13 or 14 years ago.

I waited to have the cataract surgery until I was quite sure I needed to have something done about my vision. I didn’t want to take a chance with surgery unless it was really necessary.

I chose Dr. Olkowski because I was pleased with the results of the prior LASIK, and having had LASIK I thought there might be some extra challenges in doing the cataract surgery to end up with the best result.

Dr. Olkowski gave me options in the choice of the implanted lens, including the Crystalens, a newer lens that can adjust focus somewhat to allow for both in near and distance vision.

I was tending to go with the new type lens, but wanted to do some research before making a final decision.

As I am a physician, I had access to medical colleagues and I was also familiar with doing Internet research and finding reliable sources of information, including medical journal articles.

It can be challenging separating the facts from the hype.

I also spoke with friends who had cataract surgery. None of those who had undergone cataract surgery had tried the new type lens; however, the track record as reflected in the medical literature seemed good enough to give it a try.

I reasoned, if it didn’t work out, a second procedure could be done (although with likely more difficulty and risk) to insert a conventional lens.

Immediately after the surgery, that is in the first day or so, the world was much brighter and colors were more vivid.

I could see well enough at intermediate distances, such as looking at a computer; however, my distance vision was not so good (about 20/40).

At the time of my 2 week follow up visit I noticed my vision when trying to focus on the eye chart. I was not a happy camper.

Dr. Olkowski walked me through the options to improve my vision if it did not get better on its own. It was still early post-surgery.

Intellectually I knew from the reading I had done before the surgery that eye doctors are advised to caution their patients to be patient, manage expectations and to give it at least a month to see what the actual outcome will be.

As I mentioned above, I was also aware there can be challenges to selecting the correct strength of the implanted lens in patients who had prior LASIK surgery.

Despite this awareness, it can be hard to “remember” when you are the one with a not so good initial outcome. Was I going to be among those with a poor result? I tried to think positive.

About three and a half weeks after my surgery, I noticed an amazing change for the better.

I became aware that I was seeing the world in a way I hadn’t for decades before.

In addition to being brighter and more colorful, I could read signs from much further away and I could read fairly small print without reading glasses.

At the time of my six week follow up visit, my vision was 20/20 for both near and distance.

I felt I had the vision of a 20-year-old (I’m in my late 60’s).

That's my current status.

I am grateful for Dr. Olkowski’s skill and knowledge, and especially for his patience with me in addressing my questions and concerns.

He and his staff are professionals.

His office is welcoming and comfortable.

I know that cataract surgery is among the most frequently performed operations annually.

I’m glad to have made the choice to have my surgery performed by Dr. Olkowski.

Submitted Aug. 22, 2017

This clinic, this doctor, and the entire staff rate as superb in every way. Period.

Submitted Nov. 2, 2016

Dr. Olkowski performed a cornea transplant on my eye. Everything went very well from the first appointment to the surgery and the recovery. He has a very nice personality and treats his patients with respect and kindness. He is very detail oriented and I feel comfortable in his care.

Submitted Dec. 9, 2015

My experience at Eyesight Hawaii was AWESOME! He removed pterygium from both my eyes and I feel so happy and grateful!

Submitted Nov. 17, 2014