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.

He saved eyes
Took good care of me!
Thorough and efficient.
I woke up Sunday morning and my right eye was throbbing with pain and my right temple hurt so bad that it ended up making me sick to my stomach. University Eye Specialists gave me an emergency appointment in Knoxville on Sunday. The Dr. on call, Dr. Herbert J. Glatt MD, was so kind, professional and thorough! My eye pressure in my right eye was 67 and normal pressure is around 15!! This was very dangerous. He gave me steroid pills and 2 different kinds of glaucoma drops. He said for me not to eat after midnight in case they had to do emergency surgery on Monday. I got an emergency appointment with my surgeon, J. Matthew Rouse MD early Monday morning! He was so kind, professionalthorough and very informative about my treatment. I’m so thankful that my pressure was back down to 15 which is normal!! I really appreciate all the doctors and staff at University Eye Specialists! They always go above and beyond to make sure that their patients get the best care! I highly recommend them!
Dr Rouse and team addressed all concerns were very professional and patient oriented
Everyone was very professional but my visit was too long from 1:30pm until 4:30pm!
Really good surgery. My right eye is much better after cataracts removed. Thank you Dr Rouse
Outstanding doctor who has an expertise in the field Leah is a patient oriented staff member who tis very professional Lisa, Dr Rouse’s nurse, thank you for your professionalism. Enjoy your retirement. Well deserved
Great job
He is the BEST!!!!