eye doctor

(chiefly, US) An ophthalmologist.

An informal American term for an ophthalmologist — a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eye health, vision, and surgical treatment of eye conditions. The label cleverly combines the organ they treat with their medical degree designation. While optometrists handle routine vision testing and glasses prescriptions, an eye MD is the full physician: diagnosing eye diseases, performing cataract surgeries, treating glaucoma, and everything else that requires a medical degree. Patients often use this term when distinguishing their eye surgeon from their regular optician.

(UK) A person trained and skilled in examining and testing the eyes for defects, in order to prescribe corrective lenses or treatment; an optometrist.