optometry

[op-tom-i-tree]

noun

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.

Origin of optometry

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

Related formsop·to·met·ri·cal

[op-tuh-me-tri-kuh l] /ˌɒp təˈmɛ trɪ kəl/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for optometry

optometry

noun

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

Derived Formsoptometric (ˌɒptəˈmɛtrɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for optometry

1886, from optometer (1738), an instrument for testing vision, from opto- "sight," from Greek optos "seen, visible" (see optic) + -metry. Probably influenced by French optométrie.

Medicine definitions for optometry

optometry

[ŏp-tŏm′ĭ-trē]

n.

The health care profession concerned with examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the eyes and related structures, and with determination and correction of vision problems using lenses and other optical aids.

Related formsop•tom′e•trist n.