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

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

“Miracle, I think, is the best term to describe him,” said Dr. Edward Bennett, professor of optometry at the University of Missouri-St.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

But blaming blue light for this is contentious, said Laura Downie, an associate professor of optometry and vision sciences at the University of Melbourne and an author on the new review.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2023

The applications even reach into disciplines such as optometry and mental health:

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2023

“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