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

See Examples For:

optometry

Degrees in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, veterinary and chiropractic medicine, law, optometry, osteopathy, podiatry and theology are expressly covered.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Chung runs an academic optometry clinic that works with local schools in Pomona.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2026

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

“Her father owns the optometry school where Billy was going. He also owns six offices around our part of the state. He flies his own plane and has a summer place up on Lake George.”

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut