Accepting new patients

James Wentzien, M.D.

Accepting new patients

  • Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine

Expertise

  • Ophthalmology

Special focus

  • Cataract and Intraocular Lenses
  • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
  • Eye Exams (Adult)

About me

James Wentzien, M.D., is an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the OHSU School of Medicine, and has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. After receiving his bachelor's degree and medical degree from the University of Iowa, Dr. Wentzien moved to Oregon to complete his residency at OHSU Casey Eye Institute and decided to stay.

Dr. Wentzien sees patients at the Casey Eye Institute's Comprehensive Ophthalmology Clinic located at the OHSU Center for Health and Healing in downtown Portland. His focus includes medical and surgical treatment of all types of diseases of the eye, especially cataracts. He believes that vision is an especially important aspect of overall health and quality of life, and it should be preserved and optimized. 

In is free time, Dr. Wentzien enjoys music, cycling, running and cooking.

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • M.D., 1990, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
  • Internship

    • Internal Medicine, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
  • Residency

    • Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
  • Certifications

    • American Board of Ophthalmology
Read faculty profile

Insurance

Before scheduling your appointment, we recommend you contact your insurance company to verify that the OHSU Health location or provider you plan to visit is included in your network. Your insurance company will also be able to inform you of any copayments, co–insurance, or deductibles that will be your responsibility. If you proceed in scheduling an appointment and your health insurance benefits do not participate with OHSU providers, your out of pocket liability may be higher. Visit the billing and insurance section of our site for more information.

Ratings and reviews

Overall: 4.8 out of 5 (525 Ratings, 232 Reviews)

The patient ratings score is an average of all responses to the question "How likely would you be to recommend this provider to your family and friends (on a scale of 0 to 10)" on our nationally-recognized NRC patient surveys.

  1. Pleasant and professional.

  2. The entire experience was like a "well oiled" machine. Respectful of my time, communicated well each step of the way along the process of measuring my eye in prep for my upcoming cataract surgery.Dr Wentzien was punctual, engaging in describing options for the surgery, explaining pros/cons. Enjoy his sense of humor. Feel confident in his care.

  3. Friendly, professional, and answered all of my questions.

  4. Dr. was obviously competent, pleasant and did his best to address my main vision problem in an efficient way. I would have liked a little more time since this was our first meeting and my eye health history is complex.

  5. Excellent care, listened & answered all my concerns. Very good experience, would recommend.

  6. Dr. Wentzien is very professional and very caring. He explains what he is doing and why. I understand the tests that he performs and his recommendations. Thank you.

  7. Attentive, explained things well, listened to me.

  8. Very thorough and Doctor explained every test and recommendation. Very satisfied I had the best care.

  9. Very professional and considerate.

  10. Excellent.

  11. Good experience, knowledgeable, personable,

  12. Dr. Wentzien is great. I don't feel pressure to get cataract surgery but I can depend on getting an accurate picture of my eye status and then he is helpful for deciding what to do.

  13. He was great.

  14. Professional and knowledgeable

  15. Professional, great communicator, empathic, expertise.

  16. Really helpful and patient, taking time to answer all our questions. Felt very safe in his hands.

  17. Good dr.

  18. Well, from the time I arrived, it was pleasant and it was nice. I've been checking on, everything got good. Even when the doctor came in, it got even better. He was very professional, very straightforward, easy to understand, and he was kind of a jokester, so I liked that. But, yeah, I was pleased. Thank you.

  19. Dr. Wentzien is an excellent provider. Knowledgeable, skilled, and a very good listener. I am grateful for his care.

  20. Thoughtful, answered all my questions, had answers for my condition that the previous doctor (Eye Health NW) did not present. Very happy with my visit.

  21. The experience with Dr. Wentzien has always been a good one, a nice one, and one with compassionate. So he's a good physician. Thank you.

  22. I had a very good experience and see Dr. Wentzien as thorough, responsive, attentive; and someone who instills confidence.

  23. ProfessionalThough very brief exam

  24. I was very pleased with Dr. Wensing. He was very straightforward, gave me facts in a quick and good manner, and I would not hesitate in recommending him to any of my friends. Thank you.

  25. Very caring. Listening to me. The whole staff were great. I felt like the Doctor saw me as an individual

  26. Warm, professional , efficient

  27. Excellent in every aspect

  28. He is very professional, friendly, and provided wonderful care for all my needs through both of my cataract surgeries. The outcome was perfect and I couldn't be happier my much improved eyesight.

  29. I have confidence in his exam. He answers my questions clearly and respectfully.

  30. Exceptional

  31. prompt to the apointment,very straightforward with his questions. He explained the tests and the results very professional demeanor. He was very reassuring and confident in his assessment and he explained the process in moving forward and scheduling my surgery.

  32. Dr. Wentzien is terrific and highly recommend him. his explanations are clear, concise and facilitates informed decisions.

  33. After a medical event, the Casey Eye Institute, referred me to the Comprehrnsive Institute. I was in the office and exam room of Dr. Wentzien, within 24 hours for an exam. He was patient with me and after the exam he took the time to explain what he found and didn't find. He has referred me to get a CTA scan. Dr. Wentzien and his entire staff are true professionals.

  34. He answered all my questions.

  35. Efficient. Direct. Addressed all my issues.

  36. Very Professional , covers all bases with a great Bed side manner

  37. Saw provider quickly. Everyone was friendly.

  38. Always excellent care…

  39. Check in & check out is very efficient and well run. I appreciate the dr. is always on time.

  40. I did not have to wait, so I enjoyed that part of it. And I got ... like Dr. Wentzien. I have great trust and confidence in him and he's a very nice man. Thank you.

  41. Great.

  42. informativeeasy to understandanswered all question

  43. I waited longer than I thought was reasonable, after having pictures taken of the inside of my eyes, for the Doctor. Once he was in room he was cordial and after reading his notes from my previous appointment he engaged with me. He is very knowledgeable and was open and helpful answering my questions. He made me feel confident in my decision for my surgery. I felt he spend the right amount of time with me and was not impatient.

  44. Dr. Wentzien clearly knows what he's doing and answers whatever questions I have.

  45. Listened to my concerns and performed appropriate exam and ordered studies.

  46. As usual, he was a good listener, and very responsive to my concerns.I was pleased by the remedy/plan we put in place for my eye care!

  47. On time, explained options for upcoming cataract lens surgery, very pleased with my experience.

  48. Very professional while still being approachable. Answered all of my questions and thoroughly described my disease.

  49. Dr. Wentzien discussed cataract lens options with me and took into consideration my situation and preferences. He was thorough and carefully explained his choice for an IOL. Very professional.

  50. Very nice.

  51. He was personable, explained well, and solicited questions p

  52. He was complete, answered all my questions, had reviewed my chart carefully, and clearly presented my options.

  53. I just felt so well taken care of. Nobody was in a rush. I feel like all the tests that could be done or done. I felt very comfortable with the results. And reassured.

  54. It was a good experience. Thank you.

  55. Easy Going and to the Point.

  56. This was my first appointment at Casey Eye Clinic, as due to my age I know I will be needing age-related procedures done in the coming years. Dr. Wentzien provided exactly what I wanted - an evaluation of my current vision an a clear explanation of how cataract symptoms will proceed, what my options will likely be, and a followup appointment in 6 months to check status than an better project progression.

  57. It was an overall satisfying and helpful consultation. I look forward to follow up with all of that work that needs to be done. And I hope to see you again. Yes, that's all. Thank you.

  58. I'd say the positive aspect of the visit was how clear and concise and to the point the doctor was. He's a no-nonsense type of guy. His bedside manner was fine and he got straight to the point, which is, you know, best for all involved, plus the time constraints. All right. Thanks.

  59. good

  60. Dr. Wentzien was prompt and addressed my vision issues. I did not have a good experience with the technician who gave me the eye drops and asked me to read the vision chart. I have requested a female provider because I think it would be a better fit for me but otherwise I thought Dr. Wentzien did a good job.

  61. Absolutely delightful! I was very stressed and it went very smoothly.

  62. Kind, caring, professional and extremely competent.

  63. Dr. Wentzien is an outstanding physician! Personable and highly knowledgeable. Spends time with me and clearly explains what's happening. I am very fortunate to be his patient.

  64. HIGHLY INFORMATIVE, PATIENT AND PROFESSIONAL PHYSICIAN, WHO ENSURED THAT ALL MY QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED.

  65. As usual, I feel as though I received individualized and thoughtful care.

  66. He was very professional, yet with a kind and respectful demeanor. If he was closer I would love to see him as needed. The front staff was also professional, AND kind. They are real people. The woman who tested my eyes was also professional, yet kind. She knew her "stuff." Her voice was easy for me to hear, and understanding with my poor aged hearing.

  67. Always pleasant. I always feel confident when he follows the status of my eyes, especially since I am in my 70s. I think he is an outstanding physician!

  68. Everyone was so helpful and pleasant.Dr. Wentzien provided good care and immediately referred me to the specialists i requested.Thank you.

  69. I was surprised he remembered our previous appointment, it was a year ago and we've met only once. He answered all of my questions, he did not rush me. I have a complicated health history, so that is important to me. I felt very confident in his knowledge and his assessment of my case.

  70. Very pleased with the care.

  71. I always get the best care. Friendly and professional.

  72. Dr. Wentzein explains very well and gives lots of information.

  73. Fine doctor. Courteous and professional.

  74. Positive mannerisms, straightforward, with a sense of humor. Seemed to know what he was doing and answered my questions to my satisfaction. Felt comfortable in my interactions with him.

  75. Excellent care and explanations. I was called promptly and the testing proceeded seamlessly.Thank you.

  76. Dr Wentzien was fantastic!

  77. Most efficient doctor visit I EVER had in my 78 years!

  78. Hi, Dr. Wentzien is great. He has great rapport with the patient, or at least with me and I didn't feel rushed at all and I appreciate that my appointment was on time and I even got in probably got in early probably because the weather was so bad and other people couldn't make it in. But I appreciate that my appointments have been on time. Thank you.

  79. Possibly the best provider ever experienced. Truly a caring professional.

  80. Dr. JIM is a great bloke and quite funny indeed ! but most IMPORTANTLY..." HE KNOW"S WHAT HE'S DOING ".

  81. Kind and thorough - very sympathetic to my needs.

  82. He's very knowledgeable and listens and provides a lot of information and very a great doctor.

  83. It was a very easy and super successful procedure. I'd say he is a miracle person—-that ghost thing that was covering my eye disappeared thanks to him.

  84. He was professional, to the point and kind.

  85. The visit went well. The technician did some preliminary tests and then Dr. Wentzien examined me and discussed his findings. He was thorough and explained things clearly.

  86. I went to the wrong Eye center location but they were very understanding and accommodated me for my appointment. Very satisfied!

  87. It was a nice experience that I always appreciate.

  88. She was excellent, very caring, very knowledgeable, and really made my stay in the hospital as good as it could be.

  89. He was very professional and informative. He took time and was patient with my questions.

  90. Always professional and kind

  91. Excellent

  92. My visit was organized and efficient. My questions were answered and I was treated respectfully.

  93. First contact with this physician, pre Cataract surgery. He explained everything well, no wait to see him.

  94. Dr. Wentzein is very calm and inspires relaxation and confidence b in his abilities. I was extremely pleased with results of my procedure.

  95. My experience with the doctor was excellent. I give them a rating of 10. Very kind and very good. I was very well understood. Thank you.

  96. Very kind and informative. I appreciate it the information and the time he took to talk to me about it. Looking forward to the next visit!

  97. HE ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS. HE SPOKE OF NEW RESEARCH THAT MAY HELP IN THE FUTURE.

  98. I have recommended Dr. Wentzian to two people as I have complete faith in his abilities and professionalism.

  99. He was very helpful and prompt with his Words and, and how he said them and it was helpful to me. I could understand what he was saying and it was helpful. Thank you for asking. Goodbye.

  100. The Doc was great, always has been.

  101. Dr. Wentzien and Adam were both first class.

  102. He listened to my concerns and questions and answered them in an understandable manner.

  103. I didn't have to wait long for my appointment, and everyone I encountered was friendly and knowledgeable. The receptionist even helped me figure out how to find a better way back to the parking garage.

  104. All good- communications, clarity, understanding, respect!!

  105. I was impressed with the service that the doctor. Expressed his opinion and concerns about all the things that I was concerned with during my examination. He was thorough, spoke in very understandable language, and appeared very concerned about my concerns. I am appreciative and thankful that I received care from this provider.

  106. Hi been coming up there for probably 25 years and I have yet to find anything to complain about the care that I've gotten through my all my family being there. Thank you so much OHSU.

  107. the dr is always kind, friendly, he talks to me, explains everything he's doing and why which so helpful when its eyes that we don't really know what's going on most times. he was kind about all the appoint things and what's expected

  108. All the employees were very professional and also kind .

  109. Very positive, reassuring, and direct. He was clear in his explanation.

  110. Dr. Wentzein preformed a perfunctory exam and set a new apt for 6 months.

  111. I thought that the initial evaluation process was great and then we're Dr. Wentzien came on, came in that was perfect, too. I just I'm very comfortable which I not was not always in the past, in the previous doctors, but I was very comfortable and definitely will re-book. Thank you.

  112. This provider is the best doctor I've ever had in my 77 years of Living.

  113. excellent

  114. Great Dr and great staff The best!!!

  115. Everyone was an excellent listener and provider of detailed answers to my many questions.

  116. He was a good listener, explained everything in detail, and answered all my questions. Although this is the first time I have seen Dr. Weitzein, I feel comfortable working with him and having him eventually do my cataract surgery.

  117. Fantastic, thorough, thoughtful, efficient. All made sure that I was fully informed of the procedures, at ease with them and that I understood the diagnosis.

  118. Dr. Wentzien is an excellent clinician. He listens and provides excellent care.

  119. Hello. I have to say, the doctor was amazingly courteous, polite, very, very pleasant and also he did perfect job. He answered all my questions and most definitely, I would return. I would give him an A in all areas. Thank you.

  120. Palpable expertise.

  121. First visit with this provider and I was very impressed with this provider. He listened and showed concern and did not rush which I appreciated very much.

  122. He was the best eye doctor I've ever seen in my life.

  123. Very good doctor, explained what was wrong with my eyes and recommendation to correct

  124. Everyone that I talked to in the building was very helpful and friendly.

  125. Everyone was friendly and professional. Dr. Wentzien was terrific. Knowledgeable and projected an air of competence and caring.

  126. VERY FRIENDLY AND PERSONABLE, AND EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE. EXPLAINATION OF MY TWO CONDITIONS WAS E XCEPTIONAL. ALSO, THE STAFF SUPPORT WAS EXEMPLARY.

  127. Great Doctor! You can tell that he cares for his patients.

  128. Took time to listen and was careful with eye pressure test to ensure it was done properly - as he said "I am what is known as an expert."

  129. It was friendly and professional

  130. As usual, I was listened to, and all my questions answered.

  131. The staff is friendly and professional

  132. On time, and thorough. Listened and answered all of my questions .

  133. I'm sorry I really love this guy. He does a really really good job, and I like the way he treats me as a patient, and as I guess that's all I can say but yes he is fine. He has nice, he's respectable and courteous, and efficient. Thank you.

  134. Fast and pleasant

  135. Dr. Wentzein has a great bedside manner. He takes the time to explain the procedure, and the pros and cons of the lens portion of Cataract surgery, etc. I feel very comfortable that I will be in good hands as I am having surgery in the near future.

  136. He did a thorough eye exam. Very kind and Informative.

  137. I would absolutely recommend this provider. I have excellent care and I appreciated all of it.

  138. Ease of checking in, parking, helpful employees, excellent provider with great communication. Very confident with care

  139. An absolute pleasure. My life as my vision,is getting better. Thank you.

  140. Dr. JAMES is a real "GROOVE ".quite the jokester but great surgeon.My vision is so wonderful with my new lenses.THANX "JBW "