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

For example, an endocrinologist (who manages thyroid health) may pull in an ophthalmologist (who treats eye conditions), or vice versa, to ensure the whole patient is assessed based on their individual needs. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 May 2026

Government and industry sources previously indicated that Houman Hemmati, an ophthalmologist, biopharma executive, and frequent Fox News contributor, was a top candidate for the role. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 1 May 2026

After consulting her ophthalmologist, who brushed off her symptoms, Inaba met with a rheumatologist who directed her to a Sjogren’s specialist. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

After contacting her pediatrician, she was referred to an ophthalmologist, with an appointment scheduled for December. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ophthalmology + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ophthalmologist

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

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