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.

Dr. Spencer Sechler is originally from Warren, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the Honors College at the University of Akron in 2012. He achieved his doctorate with honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in 2016. 

Dr. Sechler completed a residency in ocular disease and pathology at Southeast Eye Specialists in Chattanooga, TN, in 2017. Dr Sechler specializes in ocular disease, cataract pre/post-operative care, and glaucoma. His expertise includes primary eye care, glaucoma diagnosis and management, and specialty contact lenses.

A member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the Southeastern Tennessee Optometric Physician Association, Dr. Sechler resides in Chattanooga with his wife, Laura, and their son, CT. As a family, they find joy in cooking, going to the beach, engaging in DIY projects, and spending quality time together. Dr. Sechler is enthusiastic about calling Chattanooga home and providing eyecare to the community.