Dr. Ridner is a board-certified ophthalmologist with comprehensive experience in cataract surgery, glaucoma, retina evaluation and management, as well as Oculoplastics, including Botox and fillers. A native of Knoxville, TN, Dr. Ridner obtained his undergraduate degree with Honors in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry from East Tennessee State University. He further pursued his passion for healthcare by completing a master’s degree in Hospital Administration before attending James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, TN.

Dr. Ridner’s journey in medicine led him to complete his internship in General Surgery in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was during this time that he made the decision to pursue a career in the military. After completing Aerospace Medicine training at Brooks AFB, he served as an active-duty Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force. While on active duty, Dr Ridner applied and was fortunate enough to be accepted to attend undergraduate pilot training at Lackland AFB. After graduation, he completed F16 training and became the only dually-rated pilot-physician in the Air National Guard. Dr Ridner has over 125 hours of combat time in the F16 and has deployed to numerous countries. Dr Ridner was also qualified in the A10 Warthog flying for the 76th Fighter Squadron in the Air Force Reserves, and currently serves as a part-time aggressor pilot, flying his first love, the F16, at Nellis AFB. Dr Ridner has over 18 years of combined military service, serving as a flight doc and pilot in the active duty Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserves. Dr. Ridner returned to Tennessee in 2009 to complete his ophthalmology training at Vanderbilt University.

Why did you choose vision care as a profession? Growing up, my neighbor was an ophthalmologist. I was always fascinated with his multiple eye care ‘gadgets’ around the house. Today, ophthalmology is still technology-driven, and that has allowed us to dramatically move the profession forward.

When he is not in the office, Dr. Ridner enjoys spending time with his wife, Christy and 10-year-old son.