eye doctor

noun

1. an ophthalmologist.

2. an optometrist.

Word History and Origins

Origin of eye doctor¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Synonym Study

The term eye doctor refers generally to an ophthalmologist, but is also used informally (and imprecisely) in referring to an optometrist. An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists may prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and also treat eye diseases with drugs and surgery. An optometrist is not a physician. Optometrists are professionally licensed to test a person for vision defects, prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and prescribe therapeutic exercises, but they do not perform surgery and in most U.S. states may not prescribe drugs. An optician is licensed to make, sell, and fit glasses and, in most U.S. states, contact lenses prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The term oculist, which formerly referred to an ophthalmologist, is no longer used.

Example Sentences

What began as a subsequent visit to the eye doctor for a pair of glasses ended up becoming a life-altering diagnosis.

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Find out who Max Muncy’s eye doctor is and send the rest of the team to him.

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After what has happened, Malak wants to train as an eye doctor, to help others who suffer as she does.

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Before I go, my childhood eye doctor warns me that I have the eyes of an 80-year-old.

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He was tried in 2017, with the justice department alleging he did political favours for a wealthy Florida eye doctor in exchange for luxury holidays and other lavish gifts.

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Related Words

• ophthalmologist 
• optometrist