With the ever evolving rules and protocol involving travel due to COVID-19, there have been inquiries about LASIK and other refractive surgery, which is performed on O'ahu. We co-manage care with Aloha Laser Vision in Honolulu. Here is the latest update for referrals, consultations, and surgeries.
We are still able to send referrals to Aloha Laser Vision. Dr. Punzal and Aloha Laser Vision work together to determine whether or not you are a candidate for LASIK or other refractive surgeries. From there, Aloha Laser Vision will call you directly to discuss in greater detail about the appropriate steps that need to be taken. Based on this phone consultation combined with our exam notes, Aloha Laser Vision will be able to schedule a tentative surgery date. To minimize out of pocket expense for patients and to maximize efficiency, Aloha Laser Vision streamlines the process as much as possible. For probable LASIK candidates, Aloha Laser Vision can schedule a preoperative appointment on a Wednesday, the actual surgery on the Thursday, and the one day post operative appointment on the Friday. Most of our patients fly home on that same day. Other surgeries besides LASIK may require more than one visit to O'ahu in some cases.
Currently, with a negative pre-travel test and if you have been in the state of Hawai'i for at least 3 days, interisland travel is possible without quarantine. You will need to be seen for subsequent post-operative exams here at Punzal Vision. Regardless of the current COVID-19 regulations, as a medical facility, we still honor the 14-day quarantine. However, when medically necessary such as a post-op exam, we will schedule you accordingly where it best fits the safety of yourself, other patients, and staff members.
