Dr. Courtney W. Ridner, MD, MPH

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Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Courtney W. Ridner, who serves patients throughout the State of Tennessee.

A board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Ridner is affiliated with DiStefano Eye Center. He has a particular interest in cataract and refractive surgery, glaucoma and retina evaluation management and treatment, as well as oculoplastics to include Botox and fillers. He is the only dual-rated pilot-physician in the entire Air National Guard, and he is one of the most technologically-sophisticated ophthalmologists in the region.

“At DiStefano Eye Center, we have the only fixed-based laser in town and perform the very latest in refractive laser eye surgery. And that is a testament to the center’s commitment to offering the very latest and most advanced eye care for the residents of Chattanooga, Cleveland and outlying areas” expressed the doctor.

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, he attended East Tennessee State University and graduated with Honors with a major in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry. He went on to complete a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration before attending the James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. 

Subsequently, Dr. Ridner completed his internship in general surgery in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was then that he elected to pursue a career in the military. Following his completion of aerospace medicine training at Brooks AFB, he became an active duty Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force. 

His passion for flying grew further, and ultimately he applied to and was accepted to attend undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin AFB. He completed F-16 training at Luke AFB, and has flown over 120 hours in combat. Upon returning to Tennessee, he completed his residency in ophthalmology at Vanderbilt University.

An authority in his field, the doctor is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The ABO is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. Ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and may perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

On a more personal note, Dr. Ridner is a proud parent of a young son. With their many military moves, temporary duty assignments, and deployments behind them, they are both very excited to call Chattanooga home.

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