optometry

noun

op·​tom·​e·​try äp-ˈtä-mə-trē How to pronounce optometry (audio)
: the health care profession concerned especially with examining the eye for defects and faults of refraction, with prescribing correctional lenses or eye exercises, with diagnosing diseases of the eye, and with treating such diseases or referring them for treatment
optometric
ˌäp-tə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce optometry (audio)
adjective

Examples of optometry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chung runs an academic optometry clinic that works with local schools in Pomona. — Kristen Hwang, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026 Oklahoma regulators have licensed some eye doctors who did not pass all of a national test, which could put patients in harm’s way, a national optometry group is warning. — Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 23 June 2026 Pharmacy space is also significantly expanded, with five pick-up windows compared to just one in the current space, as well as extra space for optometry visits. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 The program will focus on areas of the health care field including dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and other professional health care services, the district wrote in a news release. — Samuel O’Neal 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optometry

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optometry was in 1874

Rhymes for optometry

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Browse Nearby Words

optometrist
optometry
optomotor reaction
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Cite this Entry

“Optometry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optometry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

optometry

noun
op·​tom·​e·​try äp-ˈtäm-ə-trē How to pronounce optometry (audio)
: the profession of examining the eyesight and prescribing corrective lenses or eye exercises to improve vision and of diagnosing and sometimes treating diseases of the eye
optometric
ˌäp-tə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce optometry (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

optometry

noun
op·​tom·​e·​try -trē How to pronounce optometry (audio)
plural optometries
: the health care profession concerned especially with examining the eye for defects and faults of refraction, with prescribing corrective lenses or eye exercises, with diagnosing diseases of the eye, and with treating such diseases or referring them for treatment
optometric
ˌäp-tə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce optometry (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on optometry

Nglish: Translation of optometry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about optometry

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