optician

American  

[op-tish-uhn] / ɒpˈtɪʃ ən /

noun

1. a person who makes or sells eyeglasses and, usually, contact lenses, for remedying defects of vision in accordance with the prescriptions of ophthalmologists and optometrists.

2. a maker or seller of optical glass and instruments.

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optician British  

/ ɒpˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. Compare ophthalmologist

   1. Also called: optometrist.  a general name used to refer to an ophthalmic optician, a person qualified to examine the eyes and prescribe and supply spectacles and contact lenses

   2. a general name used to refer to a dispensing optician, a person who supplies and fits spectacle frames but is not qualified to prescribe lenses

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Related Words

See eye doctor.

Etymology

Origin of optician

1670–80; from French opticien, from Medieval Latin optic(a) ( optics ) + French -ien -ian

Example Sentences

However, director optician Lowri Evans said this does not replace a full test.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

In areas like Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire, parents are instead given advice in their child's early development checks, or are signposted towards free NHS tests at their local optician.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2025

So does Burgos, an optician and part owner of a murder mystery theater company.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2024

Burgos, a resident of North Hollywood, is a licensed optician — she describes herself as an essential healthcare worker — and co-owner of a murder mystery theater company called Dainty Dames Events.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2024

Mrs. Anderson’s own doctor ran his practice on Main Street, above the optician.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead