Deacon Andy loves celebrating happy occasions like weddings and baptisms at St. Augustine by the Sea Church in Waikiki.  He loves bringing joy to sad and painful occasions by serving as an On Call Chaplain with St. Francis Health Care Services.  Before having cataract surgery, he felt uneasy driving to cases at night because of difficulty with depth perception, starbursts, halos, and reading street signs.

A photo Deacon Andy took in his garden

Andy chose to correct his vision with the new LenSx procedure to achieve greater accuracy.  “The surgery was quick and unreal, and I noticed improved vision immediately.”  That same night, he received a 3:30am call from the hospice, and was amazed that he was able to drive in the dark with complete confidence and clarity.  “The world as I knew it is coming back nice and clear.  It is personally uplifting in spirit…giving me a more positive outlook in life.” Andy is excited to spend more time gardening with his wife, where the colors of the flowers are now more striking and vibrant with his NEW EYES!

LenSx Femtosecond Laser Now Available for Cataract Surgery at Hawaii Eye Care Practice

Dr. Alan Faulkner, a LASIK and cataract surgeon in Hawaii, is now offering the latest in laser refractive cataract surgery technology from Alcon, the LenSx® femtosecond Laser. Utilizing a custom-guided laser and computer-generated imaging, Dr. Faulkner says the innovative procedure is designed to remove cataracts and help improve patient eyesight through effective, precise results.

At his Hawaii eye care practice, Dr. Alan Faulkner has announced he will now be offering the LenSx® Femtosecond Laser for refractive cataract surgery. Developed by Alcon, the LenSx® Laser removes cataracts without the need for a surgical blade. Dr. Faulkner says he is excited about the addition of the new technology to his procedures as it offers surgeons improved precision when performing cataract surgery, thus enhanced results for his patients.

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the LenSx® Laser utilizes a custom-guided laser to perform corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomies, based on the unique qualities of each individual patient’s eye structure. By automating traditionally challenging aspects of cataract surgery and presbyopia treatment, Dr. Faulkner says the LenSx® Laser helps surgeons reduce the risk of a vision procedure and enhance the effectiveness of results. “The LenSx laser has the ability to make precise and reproducible incisions that we believe will improve the visual outcomes in cataract surgery.”

Whether patients are looking for cataract surgery or another procedure such as refractive lens exchange, Dr. Faulkner says the addition of new technology to his practice represents a commitment to providing the most advanced, effective procedures and dedicated care to his patients. He adds that as laser vision correction continues to progress through developments like the LenSx® Laser, he hopes to stay at the forefront of emerging techniques and devices in order to improve his patients’ vision and their experience of the wonders of life without dependency upon glasses or contact lenses. “I have been doing both cataract and refractive surgery for over 20 years now. I am amazed and excited to see the precision this new technology has to offer, and believe this will result in improved outcomes for our patients.”

About Alan R. Faulkner, MD

After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University, Dr. Alan Faulkner received his medical education and degree at the Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, where he was elected to the National Medical School Honors Society Alpha Omega Alpha. He also completed an internship in Internal Medicine, residency training in Ophthalmology, and a Fellowship in Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Orbital Disease from Tulane. Dr. Faulkner has also served on the full-time faculty at Tulane as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a founding member of the American College of Opthalmic Surgeons (ACOS), and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the International Society of Refractive Surgeons, and several other professional organizations.

Located at 1100 Ward Ave. Ste. 1000 in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Faulkner’s practice, Aloha Laser Vision can be reached at (808) 792-3937. He can also be contacted online via the website alohalaservision.com or facebook.com/alohalaservision.

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Hawaii LASIK Surgeon on Choosing the Right Practice

According to the latest statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), approximately 800,000 refractive surgical procedures were performed in 2010. Dr. Alan Faulkner, a laser vision correction surgeon and eye doctor in Hawaii, says these statistics reflect the popularity of corrective eye surgery and indicate a need for patients to ensure their physician is qualified and experienced in ophthalmologic techniques. Dr. Faulkner discusses how to choose the right surgeon for a procedure such as LASIK surgery in Hawaii.

At his Hawaii eye care facility, Dr. Alan Faulkner says refractive surgical procedures have increased significantly in the past few years. The most recent surveys from the American Academy of Ophthalmology report that there were approximately 800,000 refractive surgical procedures performed in 2010, up more than 50,000 from 2009. As refractive and laser vision correction procedures continue to grow more popular, Dr. Faulkner says consulting with the proper doctor is essential to achieving the best results and improving vision. With procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery, he says high quality vision correction requires exact precision from the surgeon and an up-to-date knowledge of the latest technology.

Thanks to recent developments in laser correction technology, Dr. Faulkner says LASIK and refractive eye surgeons are able to reduce the risks and side effects of procedures to a minimal amount. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, LASIK surgery complications now occur in less than 5% of all cases. Dr. Faulkner says that in order to maintain such a high degree of success, surgeons must pursue continued education in techniques and procedures in addition to their normal patient care. He says patients should be sure to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who is active in the ophthalmologic community and who has a strict attention to patient safety and well-being.

Dr. Faulkner says another important attribute to look for in an eye doctor is dedication and personalized patient care. He recommends taking time to meet a surgeon and his or her staff while researching their credentials before undergoing any procedure. Through individualized and personal outlining of each patient’s needs, Dr. Faulkner also says patients and doctors must maintain open communication in order to achieve the right results for each individual.

About Alan R. Faulkner, MD

Dr. Alan Faulkner earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and graduated from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was elected to the National Medical School Honors Society Alpha Omega Alpha. Following graduation, he remained at Tulane to complete an internship in Internal Medicine, residency training in Ophthalmology, and a Fellowship in Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Orbital Disease. Dr. Faulkner is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the International Society of Refractive Surgeons, and a founding member of the American College of Ophthalmic Surgery.

Located at 1100 Ward Ave. Ste. 1000 in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Faulkner’s practice can be reached at (808) 792-3937. It can also be contacted online at the website alohalaservision.com or facebook.com/alohalaservision.

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Dr. Faulkner Launches New LASIK Website

Aloha Laser Vision, a practice providing laser eye surgery in Honolulu, HI, is announcing the launch of a new website designed to enhance its current and potential patients’ online experience. As more and more people turn to the internet for information on vision correction procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery Dr. Alan Faulkner says the website is extremely important to create an educational, comprehensive first impression.

At Aloha Laser Vision, Honolulu laser eye surgeon Dr. Alan Faulkner is announcing the launch of a new website designed with his patients in mind. By combining a comprehensive network of vision correction information with cutting-edge website design, he hopes to provide both current and potential patients with a valuable online resource as they consider vision correction procedures or begin to research common eye conditions and methods of treatment such as cataract surgery.

Dr. Faulkner says Aloha Laser Vision is committed to providing patients with the latest available technology in vision correction. The new website offers detailed descriptions of all procedures offered, as well as doctor biographies, and educational patient videos. Another essential element Dr. Faulkner included in the website is social media buttons to encourage the formation of an online community or patient ohana centered on patients’ experiences with the practice. As patients turn to social networks such as Facebook, Dr. Faulkner says providing a platform for current and potential patients to interact leads to a greater understanding of the procedures and informed patient expectations and goals.

In collaboration with Rosemont Media, a LASIK website design firm in San Diego, CA, Dr. Faulkner is not only providing their patients with an informative exploration of the practice and vision correction procedures offered, but also an aesthetically-pleasing and easy-to-navigate user experience. He adds that he hopes the new website provides an in-depth look at the practice, and further supports a positive patient experience with Aloha Laser Vision.

About Dr. Faulkner

Alan R. Faulkner, MD earned his medical degree from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, and then completed his internship in Internal Medicine, his residency training in Ophthalmology, and fellowships in Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Orbital Disease. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons.

Aloha Laser Vision is located at 1100 Ward Ave., Ste. 1000 in Honolulu, HI 96814, and can be reached at (808) 792-3937, or found online at www.alohalaservision.com or the Aloha Laser Vision Facebook page.

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Dr. Faulkner: For me it’s all about improving patients’ lifestyle.

The simple implantation procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by ophthalmologists who are certified in the Visian ICL™ procedure. According to Dr. Alan Faulkner, “It’s the same procedure that I have performed on cataract patients for years, so it’s quite familiar to me.” The ophthalmologist makes a small incision where the cornea meets the white part of the eye and inserts the foldable lens, which unfolds into place. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and is done using topical anesthesia. Typically, patients can see very clearly within a few hours after the procedure. Visian ICL™ is cosmetically pleasing, as well. The lens is placed in the posterior chamber, between the iris and in front of the crystalline lens. The placement makes it invisible to the patient and others. Further, the lens avoids contact with any eye structures, providing safety, stability, comfort and predictable outcomes. Once in place, the lens stays there indefinitely and should require no maintenance. Except for outstanding vision and an annual checkup, the patient may forget the lens is even there. Visian ICL™ is made of an advanced lens material called Collamer® that may provide exceptionally clear vision and practically eliminates reflectance of light that can cause glare, halos and compromised night vision.

A highly biocompatible lens material, Collamer® does not trigger an inflammatory response in the body and minimizes the occurrence of inflammation, induced astigmatism, and other complications.More than 55,000 patients worldwide have had the Visian ICL™ procedure. The lens has been subjected to numerous scientific studies and continuing refinement over time. In a rigorous US clinical trial, the satisfaction rate among patients was impressive: 99.4% reported satisfaction three years after the procedure. Visian ICL™ is being introduced by STAAR Surgical, Company, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive ophthalmic products. If you are considering vision correction options, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Alan Faulkner at 792-EYES (3937) to discuss the possibilities of Visian ICL™, the new 21st century option for vision correction. Dr. Faulkner is the only certified Visian surgeon performing procedures in Hawaii.

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