optometry

American  

[op-tom-i-tree] / ɒpˈtɒm ɪ tri /

noun

1. the practice or profession of examining the eyes, by means of suitable instruments or appliances, for defects in vision and eye disorders in order to prescribe corrective lenses or other appropriate treatment.

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optometry British  

/ ˌɒptəˈmɛtrɪk, ɒpˈtɒmɪtrɪ /

noun

1. the science or practice of testing visual acuity and prescribing corrective lenses

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Other Word Forms

• optometric
  adjective
• optometrical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of optometry

First recorded in 1890–95; opto- + -metry

Example Sentences

Most practices are resold to another PE firm within three years, putting a neighborhood optometry or gastroenterology practice through a succession of faraway new owners, all looking to sell for more to the next one.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Chi-Ho To, an optometry researcher, at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has a similar concern – what if the vision correction went wrong or was delayed slightly while he was, say, performing surgery on someone?

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

“Miracle, I think, is the best term to describe him,” said Dr. Edward Bennett, professor of optometry at the University of Missouri-St.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

The optometry office worker has followed the latter advice.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023

Everybody at the party was associated with optometry in some way, except Trout.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut