optician

[ op-tish-uhn ]

noun

1. a person who makes or sells eyeglasses and, usually, contact lenses, for remedying defects of vision in accordance with the prescriptions of ophthalmologists and optometrists.
2. a maker or seller of optical glass and instruments.

optician

/ ɒpˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. Compare ophthalmologist
   1. Also calledoptometrist a general name used to refer to an ophthalmic optician, a person qualified to examine the eyes and prescribe and supply spectacles and contact lenses
   2. a general name used to refer to a dispensing optician, a person who supplies and fits spectacle frames but is not qualified to prescribe lenses

Word History and Origins

Origin of optician¹

1670–80; from French opticien, from Medieval Latin optic(a) ( optics ) + French -ien -ian

Synonym Study

See eye doctor.

Example Sentences

Some months earlier—that is to say, about six months after Jack's departure—Sir John had called casually upon an optician.

From Project Gutenberg

She told me that, being an optician in a small way as well, she had had a whole stock of spectacles and glasses.

From Project Gutenberg

Was by profession an optician like Spinoza, but God vouchsafed to him greater spiritual sight than to the philosopher.

From Project Gutenberg

At the corner I ran against Mr. Clydesdale, the optician, who looks after the library which now occupies the old building.

From Project Gutenberg

Singularly enough it was not the same plan as the Dutch optician's, it was another mode of achieving the same end.

From Project Gutenberg