Our Doctors

Dr. Karsten Lee was born in San Francisco and grew up in Dana Point, California. He attended UC Berkeley undergraduate on a merit based scholarship and earned his Bachelor degree in Biology while playing intercollegiate volleyball. Dr. Lee earned his Doctorate in Optometry from UC Berkeley in 2003 along with fellow colleague Dr. Leong. Dr. Lee has worked in the optical field since 1995 and was awarded a Practice Management award, Ophthlamic Dispensing award, and a Pediatric Vision award while at the School of Optometry.

After graduation, Dr. Lee began practicing optometry on Oahu and eventually moved to Maui full time in 2005. Outside of the office, Dr. Lee enjoys playing beach volleyball and volunteering for outreach eye missions to third world countries. He has been on 15 international missions and continues to volunteer his time when he can.

Karsten Lee, OD

Michael Leong, OD, FAAO
Dr. Michael Leong grew up in Nanakuli, on the west side of Oahu. He is a graduate of Iolani School, class of 1994. He attended Santa Clara University, obtaining his B.S. in Biology and a minor in Studio Art. He then attended UC Berkeley obtaining a second B.S. in Vision Science and a Doctorate of Optometry, graduating alongside Dr. Lee in 2003. Dr. Leong completed a residency on cornea disease and contact lens at the State University of New York, Manhattan.

Dr. Leong is a member of the Kahului Lion’s Club, a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, and a Board Certified Diplomate with the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Leong participates in free vision screenings, locally and internationally. When not practicing, Dr. Leong enjoys spending time with his family. ​
Born and raised on the island of Maui, Dr. Jamie S. Teshima’s dream of providing eye care to the community that raised her has come true.  Dr. Teshima is a compassionate and patient-oriented professional, eager to serve the patients at Maui Optix and play a pivotal role in improving the ocular health and wellness within the Maui County community.

​Dr. Teshima is an alumni of H.P. Baldwin High School and also earned her B.S. degree in Biology at Pacific University.  She later pursued her childhood dreams of becoming an optometrist at Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Optometry and returned to her roots to focus on her commitment to excellence in patient care.  Her professional goals and passions perfectly align with the Maui Optix mission of sharing aloha through advanced and accessible eyecare. In her spare time, Dr. Teshima enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. ​

Jamie Teshima, OD

Carlys Higuchi, OD
Dr. Carlys Higuchi was born and raised in Pukalani, Maui. A 1998 graduate of Maui High School, she went on to pursue her dreams of becoming an optometrist and serving the community. Dr. Higuchi attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon where she earned her Bachelors degree in Exercise Science in 2002 and was then accepted into Pacific University College of Optometry. She earned her doctorate in Optometry in 2006. After completing internships in Oklahoma, Alaska, and Washington, she decided to move back home to practice.

In her spare time, Dr. Higuchi enjoys yoga, surfing, traveling, reading, and community service. She is a member of the Lions Club and has traveled to Africa and Thailand as a volunteer to provide free eye care services in remote areas. Dr. Higuchi looks forward to continue serving her home community.

DOCTOR HIGHLIGHTS

Drs. Lee & Leong Optometry, Kahului, Maui, Walmart