Dr. Duane A Rowe, OD

I have been benefiting from Dr Rowe's very thorough exams since his arrival to hilo almost 10 years ago. Yes , he can come across a bit quirky HOWEVER He is always interested in getting you the best vision possible. He even found a creative combination of contact lenses that compensate for my astigmatism.. This island needs more doctors like him.

My previous eye doctor appointments was just in and out. He was not for contacts and I wanted it so I didn't have glasses falling off my head while working . They didn't fit right I couldn't see out of it good and there was no resolution to helping me .Now In 2021 it's harder with glasses because of the mask. Yesterday was my first time seeing Dr Rowe I've only wished to have seen him sooner. The amount of time spent examining on my eyes was amazing it really showed they really care comparing to the previous eye doctor appointment was like 20 minutes in and out. Dr.Rowe has many machines to examine your eyes and the step by step instruction and what is used for was very well explained. Down to even helping me put in and take out the contacts if I needed help I was like wow my previous doc didn't offer that . He also explained I need to give it some time to adjust to the contacts and if I had any issues to call him right away .I left with contacts that were comfortable and able to see out of it. I had to go next door into Walmart for my glasses and ordering contacts. While ordering my glasses they asked if I wanted special lenses such as anti reflective lenses I was hesitant but the receptionist told me it was recommended by Dr.Rowe at that moment I realized wow I have never experienced so much care when it came to my eyes, I was never given these options in the past .Truly grateful for Dr.Rowe and his staff! I 1,000% recommend him to everyone!

Dr Rowe was the only therapeutic ophthalmologist In Hilo open on Saturday when my wife had an emergency situation with her lens implant. He was very competent and saved the day for her. More recently I experienced sudden deterioration of vision and was able to see me on short notice and explain what was going on. I am so glad he was there for us when we needed him.

Ive had glasses for several years and they were alway not right, blurry in one eye or another. When I went and bought new glasses from Dr Rowe i was very happy to get my glasses right the first time. Im very happy with the kind service and i went back for my contacts. They worked with me and made sure i was happy with my contacts also. I highly recommend going to Dr Rowe.

I can see again! I'd been struggling with sight and went into to see Dr. Rowe. Very nice man, but the bi-focal lenses he prescribed didn't work. Then he tried something else. And then something else. Finally, a breakthrough--and now I can see clearly in both eyes. My point is he and his staff (special mention to Ohi) were awesome because they were emphatic regarding my concerns and didn't give up. And as a writer, I'm ecstatic. :)

Front Desk was pleasant to speak to and the appt was the same week. Dr Rowe's assistant was sweet and she pleasant to work with as well. The Doctor had a good chairside manners. Talked to me throughout the process, was helpful in my choices and plan of action as far as what my options were. Overall I enjoyed my first visit and was happy to have switched over!

I had seen Dr Rowe in the past and was completly happy with both his care and with the glasses he prescribed. Being way past due for new ones I stopped there to make an appointment and was a little surprized to find the door locked and a sign instructing people to knock. When someone came to the door I ask about the locked door and was told it was for staff safety because shoplifters from Walmart run in there to escape! Also, she said, "theres the homeless people." Really?? That sort of thing is so scarey to them they must work all day locked in a room!? I was then left standing outside while she went to check if I had actually been there before. I stood there a couple of minutes but it was all just too weird. I left. Those shoplifters and homeless people are our neighbors. I dont wanna support locking them out and making them "other". Lots of less fearful ways to handle that sort of thing.

Dr. Rowe is kind, knowledgeable and just plain great. He's been my doctor for over 10 years and I highly recommend him.