J. Matthew Rouse, MD

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.