Dr. Robert Harry Ritch, MD

Dr. Ritch does not accept any insurance (despite the fact that my insurance company, United Healthcare PPO Choice lists him as “in network “). I learned this when I called his office to make an appointment (1st visit, for consultation) re possible laser peripheral irodotomy needed due to glaucoma, as suggested by another doctor. His office was hesitant to provide any upfront estimate of the out of pocket cost to me for just the initial visit (just a consultation). When pressed, they informed me that the consultation alone would cost me about $1500+ out of pocket, not including any initial eye exam fees. Payment is due in full at time of visit. Highway robbery, in my view. Caution to anyone who is considering this doctor!! I’m just glad I asked...!!

I was diagnosed with narrow angles and another physician highly recommended Dr. Ritch. He is a brilliant doctor who is well respected around the globe for being the very best in his field. He is very knowledgeable, and he goes above and beyond for his patients. I recently needed his help with a medical issue my son was experiencing and within 10 minutes of getting in touch with Dr. Ritch (at 6 a.m.) he put me in contact with top specialists in NYC and Philly. He is the BEST!

I cannot thank Dr. Ritch enough for saving my eyesight. I had been to a number of doctors, who could not identify the problem accurately. I am truly in his debt.

Dr. Ritch is perhaps the preeminent glaucoma specialist in the US. But what I really love about him is that, unlike some doctors, while he certainly has his strongly held opinions, he also has an unbelievably open and creative mind. Complications do happen sometimes with glaucoma surgery and what sets Dr. Ritch apart is the way he sticks with you and deals with them, never giving up. One of my favorite Dr. Ritch stories is that years ago, for some time, my IOP was quite good. One day, we fell to talking and I described how I routinely would run/walk to his office from the train station. He told me to come in without running, and on the next visit he took IOP readings when I arrived, and then he had me run around the block 10 times. Not surprisingly, the pressures after exercise were much lower -- the prior low readings were not truly representative. I wonder how many ophthalmologists would have listened to their patient and figured out something like this? Since then,… with his encouragement, I monitor my IOP at home with a professional grade tonometer.

Dr. Ritch is a physician of rare qualities. A brilliant mind who goes all out for his patients. I saw him once because I am out of state. Several months after my visit I needed his feedback regarding some clinical issues. I e-mailed him and received an extensive explanation as to how and why he would treat my illness. Now, that was such a pleasant surprise, it helped me immensely , as it is not easy to face the fact that glaucoma is a cruel disease. Really caring for one's patients, having the understanding of them and finding time for them is a reflection of the person and the affirmation that this man has achieved greatness in his field.

Excellent doctor. The best.

Dr Ritch lowered the pressure in my right eye from 58 to 18 after several visits. He is the best Glaucoma doctor there is bar none. If you have Glaucoma and need pressures lowered see Dr Ritch.

Have recommended Dr. Ritch to all of my family and friends! Best glaucoma specialist there is....

Takes time to explain, very personable, caring, and knows his stuff. Office was very quick to get me in for a new patient appointment. A+++++ experience.

Dr. Ritch has saved my musician-husband's sight through loving, skillfull, diligant care--rendered by him and his highly trained and world-class fellows and permanent staff--over 18 long years of fighting glaucoma, which was already well-established, in my unfortunate husband's case, by the time we found Dr. Ritch. We have recommended him to hundreds of patients, worldwide, over the years, and gone to former fellows he's trained--now respected specialists in their home countries--when we encounter emergencies abroad. There is no one--no one on the planet--treating this disease at such a high level. This is the man who conducts the cutting-edge research, invents the surgical tools, writes the textbooks, and knows everything there is to know about defeating glaucoma. From princes to trumpet players, EVERYONE knows Dr. Ritch, and everyone takes the trouble, even if it involves a flight from Dubai or Jerusalem, to see him. I cannot state all this strongly enough: if you have a difficult… case of glaucoma, there is simply no one else you should see.