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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

She found out about her eye during a routine optometry appointment.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2024

The optometry office worker has followed the latter advice.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2023

Sixteen of the 25 private equity firms identified by industry tracker PitchBook as the biggest health care investors have bought stakes in optometry and ophthalmology practices, a KHN analysis found.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2022

“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