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
“Extremely professional and knowledgeable. She took the time to explain things to me and answer all of my questions. She truly cares about her patients.”
“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…”
“Good doctor! Waited a long time and felt rushed when I finally got to see him but I do believe he is a good doctor.”
“Great experience at Horizon Eyecare Center. Especially please with Dr. Minnal.”
“Very positive experience.”
“Very thorough and I look forward to my cataract surgery coming up around the new year.”
“Horizon and Dr Hoffman are 5-Stars! No-wait appt, no long waits between the separate parts of the exam and Dr Hoffman and his staff are caring and thorough!”
“The assistant who took notes before I saw doctor seemed distracted. She asked same questions over, even 3 times when I had already given a detail that she could have clued in…”
“Super experience!!!!”
“Visited for Glaucoma referral from VA. Dr wa very thorough and professional.”
“Everyone was very courteous and knowledgeable. Even though the office was very busy, I wasn’t kept waiting a long time and was taken care of as soon as possible.”
“Always a pleasure to see Dr. Minnal. She's outstanding... knowledgeable and caring.”
“Excellent doctor I experienced a chemical burn in my eye. The sense of urgency he showed for my vision was admirable. I was seen on a Sunday within two hours of paging…”
“I’ve been seeing Dr Minal for over 12 years she’s the best highly recommend her!!!”
“Smooth transition from place to place”
“Very competent young professional. Excellent chairside manner. Would recommend thus optometrist to anyone. ”
“Dr James excellent nice and knowledgeable, his staff great too I made urgent appointment was very helpful thanks ”
“Tiffany, Mark, and Dr. Hoffman were very professional and helpful.”
Serving Three Convenient Charlotte Locations
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