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optometrist

/ɑpˈtɑmətrəst/
/ɒpˈtɒmətrɪst/
IPA guide

Other forms: optometrists

An optometrist specializes in testing the eyes and helping correct vision with glasses or contact lenses. If you can’t read anything below the giant E on the doctor's wall chart, don’t worry: an optometrist can help improve how you see.

Words starting with "opto-" are related to vision, and an optometrist is trained in finding problems with the eyes and recommending treatment or correction. "Optometry" is the science of studying the eyes or vision, and an optometrist is specialized in this study. Two words that are sometimes confused are optometrist and "optician." While an optometrist is someone who examines and treats the eyes, an "optician" works with the optometrist to make the corrective glasses or contact lenses a patient needs.

Definitions of optometrist
  1. noun
    a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
    synonyms: oculist
    see moresee less
    type of:
    specialiser, specialist, specializer
    an expert who is devoted to one occupation or branch of learning
Pronunciation
US
/ɑpˈtɑmətrəst/
UK
/ɒpˈtɒmətrɪst/
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