Optometrist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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optometrist
[ษpหtษmษtrษชst ]
Definition
medical profession
An optometrist is a healthcare professional who is trained to examine, diagnose, and treat a variety of visual problems and eye diseases. They prescribe corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, and may also provide vision therapy and rehabilitation services. Optometrists play a crucial role in primary eye care, helping to ensure the overall health of a patient's vision. In many regions, they also have the authority to prescribe certain medications related to eye care.
Synonyms
eye doctor, optical physician, vision specialist.
Examples of usage
- I need to visit the optometrist for an eye exam.
- The optometrist prescribed me new glasses.
- After seeing the optometrist, I learned I have astigmatism.
- Optometrists can also detect early signs of diseases like diabetes.
Translations
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Origin of 'optometrist'
The term 'optometrist' arises from the combination of the Greek words 'opsis,' meaning 'sight' or 'view,' and 'metron,' meaning 'measure.' The role of the optometrist has evolved since the early 20th century, originally referring to someone who measures sight without taking on the title of a physician. The profession gained recognition as optometrists began to be trained in various aspects of eye care and as vision science advanced. In the United States and many other countries, the optometrist's role has expanded to include the diagnosis and treatment of visual impairments and eye diseases. The establishment of formal education and training for optometrists in the 1960s and 1970s contributed significantly to the legitimacy of the profession, leading to regulation and licensing in various parts of the world.