Specialties
About Dr. Higa
Oculoplastic & Eyelid Surgery. Comprehensive Ophthalmology.
Hugo Higa, M.D. is a dual-trained Ophthalmologist and Oculofacial Surgeon with offices at the Pan Am Building and Pali Momi Medical Center. He operates at the Surgery Center of the Pacific at Hale Pawaa in Honolulu.
Training and Background
Dr. Higa received his B.S. in Biology at UCLA, and his M.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following his internship year at the University of Hawaii, he returned to Madison to complete his Ophthalmology studies. He then moved to Australia where he completed his fellowship training in Corneal Surgery/External Diseases and Oculoplastic/Orbital Surgery at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne, Victoria.
In 1998, Dr. Higa returned to Hawaii to work at an Ophthalmology practice, then opened a satellite office at the Pali Momi Medical Center in 2000 to serve patients in Leeward Oahu. In 2004, he opened his own practice at the Ala Moana Building, specializing in both the aesthetic and vision needs of his patients. In 2012, he moved his main offices to a larger space on the ground level of the Pan Am Building to expand his practice to include additional cosmetic procedures. Dr. Higa has steadily built his reputation over the years as one of the most trusted names in Ophthalmology and Oculofacial Surgery. He now has partnered with Dr. Andrew Parlin who brings his expertise of cataract surgery and glaucoma management to the practice. In 2024, the practice was renamed – Island Ophthalmology Partners to reflect the growth of the clinic.
Teaching and Community
Dr. Higa is honored to have been appointed Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (“JABSOM”). This volunteer appointment was recommended by a committee of Dr. Higa’s peers in the department. He is also a dedicated member of the Kamehameha Lions Club and actively collects, cleans, and sorts glasses for donation to needy communities around the world. He also often participates in community talks, health fairs, and seminars on aging eye health and cosmetic procedures. He holds regular seminars for the education of local optometrists.
In his spare time, Dr. Higa enjoys surf foiling, and spending time with his family – and is an avid “Trekker.”
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