Steven J. Ryder, MD
Providing expert retinal care to Charlotte, NC patients at Horizon Eye Care’s Cotswold, Pineville and Waverly locations.
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Meet the Doctor
Dr. Steven Ryder brings world-class retinal expertise to Charlotte, having trained at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. As a trained vitreoretinal surgeon, he specializes in treating complex retinal conditions that can threaten vision, from diabetic retinopathy to age-related macular degeneration.
What sets Dr. Ryder apart is his combination of technical excellence and patient-centered approach. He takes time to thoroughly explain each patient’s condition, treatment options, and what to expect throughout their care journey. His patients appreciate his calm demeanor and ability to make complex retinal conditions understandable.
Expertise & Specialties
Dr. Steven Ryder is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of complex retinal conditions. His clinical focus centers on preserving and restoring vision for patients facing sight-threatening diseases of the retina and vitreous.
Areas of expertise include:
- Macular degeneration — advanced treatments for wet and dry AMD
- Diabetic retinopathy — comprehensive diabetic eye disease management
- Retinal detachments — emergency and elective retinal reattachment surgery
- Macular holes — microsurgical repair of macular holes
- Macular puckers — treatment of epiretinal membranes
- Vitreous hemorrhage — management of bleeding in the eye
- Retinal vascular disease — treatment of vein occlusions and vascular disorders
Dr. Ryder is committed to guiding every patient through their condition with clarity, compassion, and the most effective treatment available.
Education & Training
Dr. Ryder earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Boston College before completing his Doctor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He then completed a transitional internship at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and his ophthalmology residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, where he received the Distinguished Housestaff Award from the Weill Cornell Medical Center Alumni Council.
He went on to complete a two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami — consistently ranked the #1 eye hospital in the United States — training that shaped his expertise in complex retinal surgery and formed the clinical foundation for his practice at Horizon Eye Care.
Memberships & Recognition
Dr. Ryder is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists, reflecting his commitment to staying at the forefront of retinal care and surgical innovation.
He has authored numerous scientific publications and textbook chapters in ophthalmology. During his fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he served as a clinical investigator in collaborative trials studying retinal imaging modalities, age-related macular degeneration treatments, diabetic retinopathy management, and inherited retinal degenerations.
Insights From Dr. Ryder
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Vision Restored, Lives Transformed
“I transferred from CEENTA to Dr Ryder at Horizon Eye Care-Cotswold. Today was my first appointment. I can say I was pleasantly surprised. I had absolutely no wait time. The office has…”
“Dr. Cameron was friendly yet quite professional. His exam seemed thorough and his recommendations sound. He answered questions I had and took his time - he was not rushed to get to…”
“All staff from checking in at the front desk, throughout my appointment were very helpful. Dr.Minkowski did a great job of explaining options/the process of cataract surgery with me, especially given my…”
“I have been coming to Dr. Minkowski for over 2 years and he is an awesome doctor. He makes you feel welcomed and worry free. He explains everything in detail and will…”
“I was always treated very friendly and professional and helpful”
“Good visit with Dr . Mina .”
“Dr. Garcia was cheerful and engaged. She took the time to explain the findings of the tests. She also happily answered some questions I had concerning my vision overall.”
“I had to wait about 25-30 minutes to see the doctor.”
“Excellent experience with my recent visit. This was on a Saturday, which is very convenient given my busy schedule. Dr Cameron took his time to do a thorough eye exam. Friendly and…”
“Dr. Kaluzny provides outstanding professional treatment and recommendations. The wait time spent in the office of two hours was unacceptable.”
“Dr. Joe Krug sets the standard for ophthalmology. He retires in a week…a huge loss.”
“He’s an amazing ophthalmologist. He has saved my sight two times in the past 10 years. He will be missed by a lot of glaucoma patients.”
“I always feel listened to and understand the explanations.”
“The waiting room needs new furniture. The seats are so worn I was afraid they would damage my clothes.”
“Dr Ryder and staff were amazing.”
“Wonderful and attentive staff. They all work together with Dr Stein to make sure I am receiving the best care. I like that they always answer any questions or concerns that I…”
“The server at this location was much faster and streamlined than other locations I’ve been to for my eye care. Much less crowded and each step in the process was handled much…”
“Professional eye care. Dr. Wang was cordial as well as her assistant.”
“I have been seeing Dr Krug and staff for over a decade. Great professionalism, competence and courtesy.”
“The doctor was very, very, very thorough and really deep examinations of my eyes to make sure everything was OK. I was very impressed with the amount of care and knowledge she…”
Serving Three Convenient Charlotte Locations
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