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
“Very knowledgeable and caring doctor”
“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…”
“Truthful in explaining the eye problem”
“Dr Wang was thorough, attentive and discussed my concerns carefully. Very helpful!”
“Very professional and friendly.”
“Friendly, professional, Garcia is instructive”
“Dr. Beaupre was very courteous, informative and knowledgeable.”
“It is a good practice with excellent staff, including the nurses and reception team.”
“Horizon is the best, providing excellent care.”
“Dr. Belle was very caring, thorough and informative.”
“They were quick, professional, friendly, and Dr Hoffman was great. He offered me options and gave advice I appreciate.”
“I had dry eye problems, which created pain, drops were given, which resolved and fixed my problem. I am very pleased with my resulits”
“Very knowledgeable and explained what is happening with my eyes and what the various drugs do.”
“Excellent care. Outstanding physicians and support staff.”
“Dr. Ryder is an excellent retina specialist. He is a very caring provider and takes the time to explain conditions as well as treatment plans. I’ve always felt well taken care of…”
“Older but very clean establishment. Very friendly and professional staff. Excellent care by Dr. Rouse!”
“Cannot say enough good things about this team and Dr. Hoffman. I had a medical eye emergency and they were able to see me same day. The team was so helpful, took…”
“Dr Bell is very very good and hate to see her moved to the Huntersville offices next year.”
Serving Three Convenient Charlotte Locations
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