ophthalmology

American  

[of-thuhl-mol-uh-jee, -thuh-, -thal-, op-] / ˌɒf θəlˈmɒl ə dʒi, -θə-, -θæl-, ˌɒp- /

noun

1. the branch of medical science dealing with the anatomy, functions, and diseases of the eye.

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ophthalmology British  

/ ˌɒfθælˈmɒlədʒɪ, ɒfˌθælməˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the eye and its diseases

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ophthalmology Scientific  

/ ŏf′thəl-mŏl′ə-jē,ŏp′- /

1. The scientific study of the eye, its diseases, and their treatment.

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ophthalmology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study and care of the eye.

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Other Word Forms

• ophthalmologic adjective
• ophthalmological adjective

Etymology

Origin of ophthalmology

First recorded in 1835–45; ophthalmo- + -logy

Explanation

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine focused on eyes. The doctor who gives you an eye exam studied ophthalmology. There are many branches of medicine, such as psychiatry, cardiology, and podiatry, which focus on the mind, the heart, and the feet, respectively. Ophthalmology is the branch that focuses on the eyes. If you study ophthalmology, you'll learn about different parts of the eye such as the iris and cornea. You'll learn about eye problems, such as cataracts. Doctors who study ophthalmology are called ophthalmologists, and they're the kind of doctor you go to when you need glasses or contacts.

Example Sentences

And now, according to Dr. Jesse Berry, chief of ophthalmology and director of the retinoblastoma program at CHLA, the laser treatment and injections into Rowan’s eyes are no longer needed as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Erbium is used in various medical fields, including dentistry, dermatology and ophthalmology.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

She finally landed a steady job working at an ophthalmology practice as a technician and retinal photographer.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 19, 2025

Normally, Joseph would’ve excused herself early, since she had to be at work at 7:45 a.m. for her job as a receptionist at a private ophthalmology practice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 1, 2025

Like Helmholtz, he developed into a scientist with many interests, though he was known early in his career for ophthalmology and for establishing the first eye hospital in the Netherlands in 1858.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel