optometry English · revision 818

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɒpˈtɒmɪtri/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ Formed in English from [[optometer]] (1737–38), the name of an instrument for testing vision, with the suffix [[-ry]] on the pattern of ''spectrometer'', ''spectrometry'',^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline) probably influenced by [[fr|optométrie]].^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline) ''Optometer'' is from the combining form ''opto-'' “sight”, from [[grc|ὀπτός|tr=optós|t=seen, visible]], and [[-meter]].^(AHD)^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Measurement of the range of vision and of the powers of sight in general (1886).^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1995)^(MW Collegiate)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The optometer was named by the Scottish physician William Porterfield in 1738 for an instrument that measured the limits of distinct vision.^(Etymonline) From the measurement of sight, ''optometry'' came to name the profession of examining the eyes for defects of vision and prescribing corrective lenses,^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)^(RHWU) and in Merriam-Webster's definition also diagnosing and treating eye diseases.^(MW Collegiate) The practitioner, the ''optometrist'', is recorded from 1903.^(Barnhart 1995)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1737–38 – ''optometer'', an instrument for testing vision.^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1886 – ''optometry''.^(Barnhart 1995)^(Etymonline)^(MW Collegiate)

+ * 1903 – ''optometrist''.^(Barnhart 1995)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The profession of examining the eyes for defects of vision and other disorders, prescribing corrective [[lens|alt=lenses]], and in some places diagnosing and treating eye diseases; the practice of an [[optometrist]].^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)^(RHWU)^(Wiktionary)

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+ ==Word family==

+ * [[optometric]]

+ * [[optometrist]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[optician]]

+ * [[optic]]

+ * [[ophthalmology]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}