What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
3.40
Bedside manner
5.00
“The wait time is too long. I got there 15 minutes before my appointment, and they still took an hour to get me in to see the nurses. It took another hour to see the doctor. I would also like the receptionist to let me know, e.g., what to
expect and the tests that need to be done ”
Lorena P.January 6, 2026
“Very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything. Listened to you and your questions. Not rushed through your appointment.”
Corinne T.January 2, 2026
About Dr. James Peairs
American Eye Associates looks forward to caring for you! Please note this provider does not provide general eyeglass consultations. Please read on to learn more about Dr. James J. Peairs as she continues to offer quality care.
Dr. James J. Peairs is a San Diego native and joined American Eye Associates in 2018. He graduated from Duke University in Durham, NC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and worked at the Duke Eye Center participating in research uncovering the pathophysiology behind age-related macular degeneration and uveitis. He received his Medical Degree at Boston University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, where he was awarded an MSTAR Fellowship that allowed him to pursue retina-related research at UCSD.
Following medical school, Dr. Peairs completed his internship at Loma Linda University Hospital, and ophthalmology residency at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he served as chief resident. The highlight of his residency training was an ophthalmology mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Dr. Peairs then completed a two-year vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the prestigious University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, where he received world-class training in all aspects of the retina and vitreous. He specializes in medical and surgical treatments for various vitreoretinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, epiretinal membranes and macular holes, retinal vein occlusions, and uveitis. His research interests have led to numerous publications and presentations at national and international meetings.
His philosophy is to treat his patients the same way he would want his family treated. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and American Society of Retina Specialists. His hospital affiliations include Scripps Memorial Hospital and Sharp Memorial Hospital.
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In-network insurances
99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Surgical retina and vitreous procedures
Vitreous opacities and degeneration
Secondary membranaous cataract surgery
Blockage of vein or artery in the retina (eye)
Cataract surgery with lens implant
Hypertensive retinopathy
Surgical retina and vitreous procedures
Vitreous opacities and degeneration
Secondary membranaous cataract surgery
Blockage of vein or artery in the retina (eye)
Office locations
EL CENTRO - Cataract, Glaucoma and Refractive Center (5 of 5)
1498 S La Brucherie Rd, El Centro, CA 92243
1 of 5
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
- Sharp Memorial Hospital
Board certifications
- American Board of Ophthalmology
Education and training
- Medical School - Boston University, Doctor of Medicine
- George Washington University, Residency in Ophthalmology
- University of Iowa, Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery
- Loma Linda University Medical Center (Internship)
- Duke University (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Society of Retina Specialists
Awards and publications
- San Diego County Medical Society Top Doctor 2023
- Awarded an MSTAR Fellowship that allowed him to pursue retina-related research at UCSD
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1609135623
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
3.40
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
24 reviews
Most relevant
The wait time is too long. I got there 15 minutes before my appointment, and they still took an hour to get me in to see the nurses. It took another hour to see the doctor. I would also like the receptionist to let me know, e.g., what to
expect and the tests that need to be done
January 6, 2026Lorena P.Verified patient
Very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything. Listened to you and your questions. Not rushed through your appointment.
January 2, 2026Corinne T.Verified patient
Very knowledgeable
November 21, 2025Russell B.Verified patient
Overall, I thought the experience was good. Although there was a wait time, I would not surprised. It was a very busy office. It seemed well organized. There were just a lot of people. The doctor himself was very confident. He seemed interested, was friendly, and very professional. He was thorough and explaining what was going on. And answered my questions thoroughly. The rest of the staff was very efficient and organized. Very patient oriented.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Fantastic doctor and staff, highly recommend
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September 8, 2025Kristin L.Verified patient
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November 18, 2024Johana R.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. James Peairs?
Generally, Dr. James Peairs has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Peairs's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. James Peairs accepting new patients?
Dr. James Peairs generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Peairs's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. James Peairs accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Dr. James Peairs online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Peairs using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. James Peairs affiliated with?
Dr. James Peairs is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Sharp Memorial Hospital.
What practice does Dr. James Peairs work with?
Dr. James Peairs works with American Eye Associates.
Where is Dr. James Peairs's office located?
Dr. James Peairs has 5 office locations, including in National City, El Cajon, El Centro, and Chula Vista, view full addresses on Dr. Peairs's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. James Peairs have?
Dr. James Peairs is certified by American Board of Ophthalmology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. James Peairs?
Dr. James Peairs frequently sees patients for Eye Emergency Visit, Eye Infection, General Eye Consultation, Refractive Surgery Consultation, and Retina Consultation. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. James Peairs on their profile.
What languages does Dr. James Peairs speak?
Dr. James Peairs speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. James Peairs in reviews?
24 patients have reviewed Dr. James Peairs. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 3.4/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.