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

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

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

Everybody at the party was associated with optometry in some way, except Trout.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut