What does optometrist mean?
An optometrist is a healthcare professional specializing in the examination of the eyes and the assessment of vision. During an eye examination, an optometrist measures visual acuity, checks the health of the eyes, evaluates conditions such as myopia and astigmatism, and may prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. The work can also reveal signs of broader medical problems, including diabetes or hypertension, because the eye provides a direct view of blood vessels and other tissues. Optometrists are distinct from ophthalmologists, who are medically trained doctors, and from opticians, who primarily make and fit corrective lenses. Their professional responsibilities and prescribing powers differ according to national regulations. The word is useful in describing both routine vision care and the broader medical importance of regular eye examinations.
nounA healthcare professional trained to examine the eyes, assess visual acuity and refractive errors, diagnose some eye conditions, and prescribe corrective lenses. Depending on local regulations, an optometrist may also prescribe contact lenses or eye medication.
- A healthcare professional who examines the eyes, evaluates vision, and provides corrective lenses or other eye-care services.
"She booked an appointment with the optometrist to have her prescription renewed."
"The optometrist checked the patient's vision and recommended a stronger prescription."
"An optometrist can detect signs of eye disease during a comprehensive examination."
The regular plural is optometrists.
"The clinic employs three optometrists."
An optometrist can do much more than hand out glasses: their work can reveal diabetes, glaucoma, and other health problems through a routine eye examination.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does optometrist come from?
The word combines the element optic, derived from Greek optikos, meaning “of or relating to sight,” with the suffix -metrist, associated with Greek metron, meaning “measure.” This reflects the optometrist's traditional role in measuring vision. The term developed as eye-care professionals became established during the nineteenth century, alongside the related profession of optometry.
Related word forms
How optometrist is actually used
The professional role and the scope of an optometrist's prescribing authority vary between countries and jurisdictions. In British usage, the term is sometimes used loosely for an eye practitioner, but it ordinarily distinguishes a non-physician optometrist from an ophthalmologist.
Easily confused with optometrist
An optometrist is primarily a non-physician eye-care professional, whereas an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
An optometrist examines vision and may prescribe corrective lenses, while an optician primarily prepares and dispenses eyeglasses and contact lenses.