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

This isn’t the first time doctors have discovered multiple contact lenses dislodged in someone's eye: In California, an ophthalmologist went viral after sharing a video of herself removing 23 contact lenses from underneath the patient’s eye. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025

When To See a Healthcare Provider To ensure healthy vision and eyesight, schedule regular eye exams with a qualified healthcare provider, such as an ophthalmologist. —Laura Schober, Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Patients who have chronic health issues, such as diabetes, might be under the care of an endocrinologist but also a primary care physician, cardiologist and an ophthalmologist. —Shakeel Ahmed, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

An international team of ophthalmologists—eye scientists—analyzed pictures of the retinas of more than 45,000 people. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 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