John Charles Rieser M.D.

John Charles Rieser, M.D. was born May 5, 1937, in New York City to Charles Ely Rieser, M.D., and Katherine Rosenheim Rieser. He was a fourth generation Atlantan, a fifth generation Georgian, and the great grandson of Morris Rich, founder of Rich’s Department Stores in 1867. He attended “Little Lovett,” Eaglebrook School and The Loomis Chaffee School. After attending Cornell University where he was a member of Tau Delta Phi, he then earned his undergraduate degree from Emory University in 1960. He received his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 1964, and his post graduate internship and residency were at the Emory University-Grady Memorial Hospital Department of Ophthalmology.

In 1961, John married Helen Brody, and the couple went on to have 2 children, Robyn and David.

After serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he served as a clinical fellow in glaucoma management at Tufts University Department of Ophthalmology in Boston from 1970-71. Upon his return to Atlanta, he founded the Glaucoma Service at Emory University, where he continued to teach while also running his own private practice, until his retirement as Clinical Professor Emeritus in Ophthalmology. A Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, John also served as an associate Board Examiner and became a certified Lasik Surgeon in 1995.

John loved the privilege of being a doctor. Like him, his office was organized down to the last detail; no patient ever had to wait. He reveled in the opportunity to help patients’ vision and health, and was very active in Atlanta’s and Georgia’s ophthalmic community. He served as President of the Atlanta Ophthalmology Society, President of the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology, Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Emory Vision Correction Center, and was a member of several professional societies. He was proud of the fact that he was one of the first to bring glaucoma surgery to the Southeast, as well as of the many times he was published in medical journals.

He worshipped the ground his wife Helen walked on, and during their 65 years together he did everything in his power to make her happy. The couple celebrated their most recent anniversary together by reminiscing with their wedding album. They enjoyed traveling, and saw many incredible sights around the world. He also enjoyed music, the visual arts, photography and fly fishing. John particularly appreciated a good meal, great wine, and an evening spent reading in front of a fireplace.

He is survived by his wife Helen, his children Robyn Rieser Barkin (Tom) of Atlanta and David John Rieser of Sydney, Australia, four grandchildren: Sam Barkin (May Melton) of New York, Katie Barkin of Boston, Jessica Rieser of Sydney and Jacob Rieser of Sydney, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 6th at 2 pm at Westview Cemetery, 1680 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.

The family will receive visitors at the home of Robyn and Tom Barkin on Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6, 5:30-8:30.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation may consider Emory University Healthcare or a charity of their choice.