Translation guide
In Japanese, the term 'optician' can refer to different roles: a person who makes or sells eyeglasses, a store that sells them, or an eye care professional. The most common and natural way to refer to an optician's shop is 眼鏡屋 (めがねや). For a person, 眼鏡士 (めがねし) is used but is less common in everyday speech. Note that 眼科医 (がんかい) is an ophthalmologist (medical doctor), not an optician.
To refer to a shop or store that sells eyeglasses and often provides fitting services.
A new optician's shop opened in front of the station.
That optician has a wide selection.
A slightly more formal or commercial term for a glasses shop, often used in signage or advertising.
This optician's is a nationwide chain.
A more formal written term for a glasses shop, using the kanji 眼鏡. Less common in casual speech.
I had an eye test at the optician's.
To refer to a person whose job is to make, fit, or sell eyeglasses.
The technical term for a qualified optician. It is used in professional contexts but may not be widely understood in casual conversation.
He is a certified optician.
A friendly, colloquial way to refer to a person who works at or runs a glasses shop. It can mean either the shop or the person, depending on context.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'eyeglass specialist'. It can be used when the term 眼鏡士 is not familiar to the listener.
To refer to a professional who examines eyes and prescribes glasses or contact lenses. Note: In Japan, this role is typically performed by an ophthalmologist (眼科医) or a certified optician (眼鏡士) under medical supervision.
In Japan, eye examinations and prescriptions are usually done by ophthalmologists at eye clinics. If you need an eye test, you would go to an 眼科 (がんか). The term 'optician' in the sense of an optometrist does not have a direct equivalent; the closest is 眼科医, but that is a medical doctor.
Do not use 眼鏡屋 for an eye exam; it primarily refers to a shop that sells glasses. For medical eye care, use 眼科.
You can get an eye exam at the optician's (eye clinic).
In English, 'optician' can sometimes be used loosely for eye care professionals. In Japanese, 眼科医 (がんかい) is a medical doctor specializing in eye diseases and surgery. An optician (眼鏡士) is not a doctor but a technician who makes and fits glasses. If you need a medical eye exam, go to an 眼科 (がんか), not an 眼鏡屋 (めがねや).
The word 眼鏡屋 (めがねや) can mean both the shop and the person who works there. Context usually makes it clear. Adding さん (眼鏡屋さん) makes it more personal and polite when referring to a person.
I had the optician fix my frames.
Please consult an optician.