Optometry

/ɑpˈtɑmətri/ noun

Definition

The profession of examining eyes and diagnosing vision problems, prescribing corrective lenses, and treating certain eye conditions. Practitioners are called optometrists.

Etymology

From Greek 'optos' (seen, visible) and 'metron' (measure), literally meaning 'measurement of sight'. The term was coined in the early 20th century as the profession became standardized and distinct from general medicine.

Kelly Says

Optometry perfectly captures its function in its name - it's literally 'sight measurement'. The field revolutionized human capability by making clear vision accessible to millions, and interestingly, the same root 'optos' gives us 'optics', 'optical', and even 'autopsy' (seeing for oneself).

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