oculist
/'ɔkjulist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A medical doctor specializing in the eye: An oculist is a physician who diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries of the eyes.
- An optometrist (dated/archaic usage): Historically, the term was also used for a person who examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She visited an oculist to treat her severe eye infection.
- In the 19th century, an oculist would often test vision and sell spectacles.
Advanced Usage
- The term "oculist" is now considered somewhat dated in professional medical contexts. The more precise modern terms are "ophthalmologist" for a medical doctor and "optometrist" for a primary eye care professional who prescribes glasses and contact lenses.
- While "oculist" is an older term, it is still understood to mean a specialist in eye care.
Variants and Related Words
- Ophthalmologist (n): A medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care, including surgery.
- The ophthalmologist performed cataract surgery.
- Optometrist (n): A healthcare professional who provides primary vision care, including sight testing and correction.
- The optometrist prescribed new reading glasses.
- Optician (n): A technician who designs, fits, and dispenses corrective lenses based on a prescription.
- The optician helped me choose frames for my new prescription.
Synonyms
- Eye doctor (n): A general, informal term for a specialist in eye care.
- Eye specialist (n): A general term for a professional focused on eye health.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary modern understanding of "oculist" aligns with "ophthalmologist" (a medical doctor).
- Its secondary, historical meaning overlaps with the modern role of an "optometrist". The context of a sentence usually clarifies which meaning is intended.
Noun
- a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye
- a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses