J. Matthew Rouse, MD
Practice: University Eye Specialists
Specialty: Ophthalmology: Glaucoma Specialist, Diseases & Surgery of the Eye
Office locations: Knoxville, Maryville, Morristown
Dr. James M. Rouse, M.D. specializes in glaucoma, treatment of diseases and surgery of the eye. The East Tennessee native joined University Eye Specialists in 2011. Dr. Rouse started medical school with the intention of entering pediatrics or family medicine but became captivated by eye care and surgery while on rotations. A trip with an ophthalmologist to El Salvador in his fourth year of medical school as part of Lions Clubs International’s sight services sealed Dr. Rouse’s decision.
Dr. James M. Rouse, M.D. specializes in glaucoma, treatment of diseases and surgery of the eye. The East Tennessee native joined University Eye Specialists in 2011. Dr. Rouse started medical school with the intention of entering pediatrics or family medicine but became captivated by eye care and surgery while on rotations. A trip with an ophthalmologist to El Salvador in his fourth year of medical school as part of Lions Clubs International’s sight services sealed Dr. Rouse’s decision.
Eye Care Center Maryville
Maryville, TN 37803
Eye Care Center Morristown
Ste. A
Morristown, TN 37814
Tennessee Valley Eye Center
Knoxville, TN 37922
UT Medical Center
Bldg. C, Ste. 255
Knoxville, TN 37920
Dr. James M. Rouse, M.D. specializes in glaucoma, treatment of diseases and surgery of the eye. The East Tennessee native joined University Eye Specialists in 2011.
Dr. Rouse started medical school with the intention of entering pediatrics or family medicine but became captivated by eye care and surgery while on rotations. A trip with an ophthalmologist to El Salvador in his fourth year of medical school as part of Lions Clubs International’s sight services sealed Dr. Rouse’s decision. He witnessed the profound effect that an ophthalmologist could have in restoring quality of life.
Dr. Rouse earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees from UT-Knoxville and UT-Memphis, respectively. While completing some of his medical studies in Chattanooga, Dr. Rouse would meet his future wife; he also did a rotation in Knoxville with UES’ Dr. David J. Harris Jr.
After completing his internship at the University of Kentucky – Dr. Rouse, a Vol fan, would attend Kentucky basketball games wearing orange – and residency in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he joined University Eye Specialists, which knew of his specialty in glaucoma and recruited Dr. Rouse to come home.
Treating glaucoma patients means trying to save vision, while also helping patients through a difficult time with a serious eye disease. Dr. Rouse gets to know his patients during this time and considers their trust in him to be a privilege to earn.
He joined UES because he believes the practice has ethical professionals who make the right decisions for patients and have the technical and medical skills to provide the best eye care.
Born and raised in Oak Ridge, Dr. Rouse enjoys living in East Tennessee because of the easy access to the mountains and opportunities to hike and fish. Dr. Rouse also is a lifelong Tennessee fan, so he likes being able to attend UT sporting events.
He and his wife, Gina Rouse, are both avid runners, including marathons. He is a member of the Knoxville Track Club and Knoxville Endurance.
The Rouses are members of Sevier Heights Baptist Church. They have three daughters, Carlie, Lydia and Michaela.

Always is kind and answers all questions asked in a professional manner.
Very easy to talk to during the appointment I have complete confidence that he is an excellent eye doctor dealing with glaucoma.
Dr. Rouse is extremely thorough and professional. He took time to explain his findings and his thoughts regarding possible treatments. We are very pleased!
Very pleasant to deal with. Listened, answered questions, and and professional.
He made a great first visit impression. I had sent him my medical history prior to my visit and I could tell he had taken the time to really study the notes. He appears very knowledgeable and listens with a caring ear. He gives me a lot of confidence in his knowledge.
Great staff! I so appreciate kindness and patience—it is a reflection of Dr. Rouse’s attention to his patience and his training for them by example. I’m very grateful for the great care Dr. Rouse’provides to his patients.
Support staff is outstanding. The scheduling person is a great improvement.
Everyone I encountered took great care before, during and after the procedure. I especially appreciated their professionalism.
Caring and compassionate doctor…my family has seen him for years….we have complete trust in Dr. Rouse
Best ever