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James A. Rial, MD

Vitreoretinal Surgeon

Portrait of James A. Rial, MD

Dr. Rial is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon who treats retinal disease both medically and surgically, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and macular holes. He completed his fellowship at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia, and has practiced on the Delmarva Peninsula since 2004.


  • Fellowship

    Vitreoretinal Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia

  • Residency

    Ophthalmology, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University

  • Internship

    Transitional Year, Presbyterian Medical Center of the University of Pennsylvania Health System

  • Medical School

    State University of New York Health Science Center, Syracuse

  • Undergraduate

    Brown University

Portrait of James A. Rial, MD at Atlantic Retina Center

Professional Excellence

Dr. Rial graduated from Brown University and earned a Doctor of Medicine at the State University of New York Health Science Center in Syracuse. A transitional year internship at the Presbyterian Medical Center of the University of Pennsylvania Health System followed. Ophthalmology residency brought Dr. Rial back to Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital in Providence from 2000 to 2003, with the final year served as chief resident. A vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia ran from 2003 to 2004.

I tell patients that the retina usually gives some warning, and the whole job is catching it before it turns into damage nobody can undo. Twenty years in, the cases I still think about are the ones where someone came in early.

James A. Rial, MD

Welcoming Patients At:

Language:

  • English
  • Spanish

Recognition By Peers and Patients

  • Atlantic General Hospital

    Medical Staff

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology

    Fellow

  • American Board of Ophthalmology

    Board Certified

Clinical Focus and Recognition

Every case Dr. Rial takes involves the retina, the vitreous or the macula, managed medically or repaired surgically as each one requires. Research and investigation across several areas of eye health have run alongside that clinical work. Dr. Rial is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

What Our Patients Say

  • “The staff was courteous and professional and I didn't have a long wait before I was seen. Dr. Rial was thorough with his tests and explained the results clearly.”

    Susan Griffith

    Salisbury, Maryland

  • “Dr. helped my boyfriend so much. On vacation he got an eye infection and Dr. made sure he got what he needed even though they were slammed. Very nice guy.”

    Jenna peters

    Milford, Delaware

  • “Dr. Rial and staff were very personable, efficient, and explained each procedure before it was done. I felt very at ease and that I was in professional & capable hands. Thank you for such good care.”

    Patricia Harfeld

    Easton, Maryland

  • “Since 2018 I’ve had great experience with Dr. Rial and staff. Started with bleeding retinas, now no problems for almost a year.”

    Jim Burkart

    Dover, Delaware

  • “It may have taken a little but worth the wait. Beautiful office, friendly efficient staff. ”

    Linda Foskey

    Milford, Delaware

  • “A routine eye exam found a problem. My optometrist referred me to ARC, and they scheduled me the next day. Dr. Rial and staff were exemplary; professional, skilled, and caring.”

    Lee Karrh

    Easton, Maryland

  • “Dr. was very thorough in explaining my glaucoma condition and treatments. Much more than 2 ophthalmologists I saw in NY for 8 years. He's a 10-star doctor!”

    Maryann Durant

    Milford, Delaware

  • “I want to say thank you to the Drs and team for getting me in on short notice for an emergency appointment and a shout out to Laura for keeping me updated on my appointment and calling me back in a timely manner thank you all.”

    Sharon Price

    Milford, Delaware

  • “Always a comforting experience. Staff professional, kind, courteous and helpful. Dr. Rial is one of the best eye specialists. Highly recommend.”

    Lori Wood

    Dover, Delaware

  • “The doctors and staff at Atlantic Retina Center are excellent. Dr Rial is thorough and tells you about the real deal in a way you can understand it. I couldn't ask for better treatment.”

    Andrew Schneider

    Easton, Maryland

  • “Dr. Rial is exceptional! I travel 6 hours for my annual retina evaluation. He thoroughly examines my eyes, compares yearly images, and always addresses my concerns.”

    Mary Jo V.

    Salisbury, Maryland

  • “Dr. Rial is awesome! I travel 6 hrs for my annual retina evaluation. Eyes thoroughly examined, eyesight better because of Dr. Rial. I trust his evaluation completely.”

    Mary Jo Vasil haines

    Dover, Delaware

  • “I’ve been a patient at Atlantic Retina for years, referred by my optometrist after a retinal detachment. Dr. Rial and his team have been exceptional in monitoring and preserving my vision.”

    Mark Schotte

    Salisbury, Maryland

  • “Office staff is very efficient and appointment with Dr. was great. He listened, addressed concerns, very professional. Highly recommend this practice.”

    Elizabeth DiCicco

    Milford, Delaware

  • “A long time patient, Always been impressed with Atlantic Retina Center and Dr. Rial’s care. Professional, courteous, and Dr. Rial always addresses any concerns. Grateful to have such wonderful care.”

    Kelley Rouse

    Salisbury, Maryland

  • “Always professional and engaging while getting me in and out quickly. Dr. Rial is the man!”

    John Schmidt

    Dover, Delaware

  • “Dr Rial and his staff are Amazing! Very nice and professional! I will recommend him to everyone!”

    Rina Morgan

    Salisbury, Maryland

  • “Long-time patient, impressed with Atlantic Retina Center and Dr. Rial’s professional, courteous care. Grateful for wonderful care.”

    K R

    Dover, Delaware

  • “Extremely satisfied from check-in to check-out. Nurses were pleasant and thorough. Dr. Rial clearly explained my MRI results and next steps. Very grateful for the excellent care.”

    Wayne Robinson

    Easton, Maryland

  • “Dr. Rial treated my diabetic retinopathy and retinal hemorrhage with laser and injection. One month later, my vision has improved significantly. I'm grateful for his expertise and care.”

    Sue Phillips

    Salisbury, Maryland

  • “Dr James Rial is always very friendly and professional. He spends whatever time it takes to carefully explain his diagnosis. Staff also very friendly and make me feel confident that they are the best.”

    Steve Trowbridge

    Salisbury, Maryland

  • “Everyone was so pleasant and organized. And right on time! Dr. Rial took the time to answer my questions and explain what was going on with my eyes.”

    Karin Packard

    Easton, Maryland

  • “I’ve been a patient for 3+ years. Dr. Rial and his staff are excellent; pleasant, competent, and thorough. His injections are nearly painless, and my sight remains normal thanks to him.”

    Marilyn Mann

    Easton, Maryland

  • “Everything went well with new format for signing in. Thrilled to be back with Dr. Thanks.”

    Harry Talley

    Milford, Delaware

Ready to protect your vision