ophthalmologist

noun

oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gist ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmä-lə-jist 

ˌäp-,

-ˌthal- 

: a physician who specializes in ophthalmology compare optician, optometrist

Examples of ophthalmologist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If so, optometrists and ophthalmologists could help flag individuals at risk decades before cognitive symptoms appear. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025

This CeraVe shopper-favorite is ophthalmologist-tested and developed with dermatologists, and it’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists can prescribe corrective lenses and contacts. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 28 July 2025

That could mean building vision centers in remote areas, training ophthalmologists from within the community, or developing culturally sensitive health outreach and education programs. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 22 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

ophthalmology + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ophthalmologist

• anthropologist
• archaeologist
• audiologist
• cardiologist
• criminologist
• dermatologist
• entomologist
• genealogist
• gerontologist
• gynaecologist
• gynecologist
• musicologist

Kids Definition

ophthalmologist

noun

oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gist ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jəst 

ˌäp-,

-ˌthal-

: a physician specializing in ophthalmology compare optician sense 2, optometrist

Medical Definition

ophthalmologist

noun

oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gist ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jəst  ˌäp- 

-ˌthal-

: a physician who specializes in ophthalmology compare optician sense 2, optometrist