optician

American  

[op-tish-uhn] / ɒpˈtɪʃ ən /

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.

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optician British  

/ ɒpˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. Compare ophthalmologist

   1. Also called: optometrist.  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

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Related Words

See eye doctor.

Etymology

Origin of optician

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

Example Sentences

In Florstadt, automated procedures coexist with manual handling at fixed workstations, such as preparing a single contact lens ordered by an optician for a specific patient for further shipping.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Caoimhe was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2025 after an optician noticed bleeding behind her eye.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

So does Burgos, an optician and part owner of a murder mystery theater company.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2024

But after an optician spotted a swelling behind her eyes she was immediately referred to hospital where she was diagnosed with a right frontal lobe glioma.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2024

Mrs. Anderson’s own doctor ran his practice on Main Street, above the optician.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead