eye doctor

American  

noun

1. an ophthalmologist.

2. an optometrist.

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Related Words

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.

Etymology

Origin of eye doctor

First recorded in 1880–85

Compare meaning

How does eye-doctor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• eye doctor vs. optometrist

Example Sentences

Of course Gladys said she didn’t do anything, and the eye doctor said he certainly didn’t do anything.

From Literature

In certain specialties, including psychiatrists, eye doctors and dermatologists, nearly half of the in-network providers didn’t treat a single enrollee of the Medicaid plan that listed them.

From The Wall Street Journal

"While more work needs to be done, the eye doctors I have spoken to here at Mizzou are very excited about this research, so I am proud and hopeful for the future."

From Science Daily

A UC San Francisco eye doctor mentioned “hesitancy” and “uptake” in her grant application.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ophthalmologist
• optometrist