Dr. Rusty James Ritenour – Ophthalmologist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Rusty James Ritenour is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Victoria, BC, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care in the community. His practice is grounded in the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a full-scope ophthalmologist, he offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The clinic provides a patient-friendly environment designed to facilitate thorough and compassionate care for every individual.

Dr. Ritenour is an experienced ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training. He graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2003 and has since dedicated his career to advancing eye health. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence. His advanced training and board certification ensure that patients receive expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide array of eye conditions.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Ritenour emphasizes patient education, involving individuals in their treatment decisions, and utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for precise and effective treatments. He is committed to early detection and management of eye diseases to prevent vision loss and works collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on providing personalized, respectful, and effective care to the Victoria community.

Dr. Rusty Ritenour provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Ritenour addresses management of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

• Presbyopia: Age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): A condition where near objects may appear blurry (and sometimes distant objects too) because the eye focuses images behind the retina.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Ritenour addresses a leading cause of reversible vision impairment, especially in older adults.

• Secondary Cataracts (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Commonly referred to as an 'after-cataract'.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Can cause significant visual disturbances.
• Age-Related Cataracts: The most common type of cataract.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Ritenour addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range.
• Secondary Glaucoma (e.g., due to trauma, inflammation, steroids): Can be open-angle or angle-closure.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. Rusty Ritenour is necessary.

• YAG Laser Capsulotomy (for Secondary Cataract): Commonly performed to address blurry vision months or years post-surgery.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Comprehensive assessment for cataracts, including vision testing and evaluation of lens opacity.
• Diagnosis and Management of Common Eye Conditions: Referral to subspecialists when necessary for complex conditions.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Personalized lens selection based on lifestyle and visual goals.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Prescribing and managing various types of eye drops to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Ritenour.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Ritenour practices at a specialized eye clinic situated in the heart of Victoria's Fairfield East neighborhood, located near the Bay Centre Shopping Mall. The clinic is easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient transportation options for all patients. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for individuals of all mobility levels, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available. This welcoming environment is equipped to provide comprehensive eye care, from routine check-ups to advanced surgical procedures, in a professional and patient-centered setting.

When should I see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ritenour?

You should see an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ritenour for comprehensive eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, are over 40, or have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Also, seek consultation for any sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, persistent redness, or if referred by your family doctor or optometrist for a specific eye condition.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ritenour and an Optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist like Dr. Ritenour is a medical doctor (MD/DO) who has completed medical school followed by residency training in ophthalmology. They are licensed to practice medicine and surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe medications, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Optometrists (OD) are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, prescribing corrective lenses, and diagnosing and managing certain eye abnormalities and diseases (scope varies by province/territory). They typically do not perform invasive surgery.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Ritenour?

Dr. Ritenour treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Are services from Dr. Ritenour covered by provincial health insurance?

Most medical and surgical eye care provided by Dr. Ritenour for diagnosed eye conditions is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes treatments for diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Routine eye check-ups for vision testing (refraction) may not be covered for all age groups unless there's an underlying medical reason. Elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Ritenour's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

How does Dr. Ritenour treat glaucoma?

Dr. Ritenour manages glaucoma with the goal of lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy (like SLT or LPI), or surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The specific approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.

a specialized eye clinic in Victoria
206-1990 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8R 6V4

Office Phone: (250) 592-7400 | Office Fax: (250) 592-7488

Dr. Ritenour is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Ritenour, particularly for services covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Ritenour's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343880/Ritenour%2CRusty