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.
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.

Been patient for years. Credit him for my continued good vision. He’s the best.
Really good at taking time to explain things.
Wait time was somewhat long 30 minutes in outside waiting room
Dr. Rouse and staff are excellent. Each technician explained why and how they were going to perform their procedures. Dr. Rouse was very thorough and explained each step of his examination. He then explained the results of the examination. Very caring and thorough. Excellent doctor and staff.
Thorough and friendly
I was kept waiting 2 hours for a 10 minute appointment. I feel this is a blatant disrespect of my time. I was 20 minutes early as I respect other individuals time. Also, i had called to insure that my visit would include a vision exam along with glaucoma monitoring. I was told yes.When I was finally seen and mentioned the vision check, the staff acted totally surprised. I have seen the Dr at a different location in the past and was a typical hour visit without any issues. This was at the TN valley location in Knoxville. I refuse to ever visit this location again, I was also told by the front desk that Dr Rouse said that I could see another optometrist as his schedule could be hectic. That statement struck me as ‘go somewhere else, I don’t care”.
Wonderful is the word that comes to my mind. I am lucky to have him for a doctor.
outstanding
Always willing to take questions and make patients comfortable with proposed treatments
All good