A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dr. James McGuinness graduated from Holy Cross High School and studied biological sciences at the University of New Orleans. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston College of Optometry.

He returned to New Orleans to serve as clinical director at the Stevenson Medical and Surgical Eye Center, working with pre- and post-operative surgical patients. He has vast experience in the management of eye disease and has served as a clinical coordinator for numerous drug studies.

In 1994 he became a partner with St. Charles Vision, establishing practices in Elmwood and Kenner. He specializes in hard-to-fit contact lens patients and is the spokesperson for the groups’ continuing efforts to educate the public about computer vision syndrome.

He lives in the Bayou St. John neighborhood of New Orleans with his wife, Marlena.