Translation guide
An optometrist is a healthcare professional who examines eyes, tests vision, and prescribes corrective lenses. In Japan, the role is split between 眼科医 (ophthalmologist, a medical doctor) and 検眼士 (optometrist, a technician who measures vision and fits glasses/contacts). The term 検眼士 is less common than in English-speaking countries, and many vision-related services are performed by 眼科医 or staff at眼镜店 (glasses shops).
When referring to a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and performs surgery, use 眼科医.
This is the standard term for an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in eye care. In Japan, most eye examinations and treatments are done by 眼科医, not optometrists.
You should see an eye doctor.
He is a famous ophthalmologist.
When referring to a technician who measures vision and fits glasses or contacts, use 検眼士. This role is less common in Japan, where such tasks are often done by staff at glasses shops.
This is the direct translation of 'optometrist' as a licensed professional who performs eye exams and prescribes corrective lenses. However, in Japan, this title is not as widely used or recognized as in some Western countries.
The optometrist measured my vision.
Since dedicated optometrists are rare, people often say they went to an 眼科 (eye clinic) or a メガネ屋 (glasses shop) where staff checked their vision. You can describe the person as 視力を測る人 (person who measures vision) or メガネを作る人 (person who makes glasses).
眼科医 (ophthalmologist) is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. 検眼士 (optometrist) is a technician who primarily conducts vision tests and fits glasses or contact lenses. In Japan, 眼科医 is much more common, and many people visit an 眼科 for routine vision checks. The concept of a standalone optometrist is not as established.
When you go to a glasses shop in Japan, the staff who help you choose frames and measure your vision are usually called 店員 (store clerk) or スタッフ (staff), not 検眼士. They may have some training but are not necessarily licensed optometrists. If you need a medical eye exam, you should visit an 眼科.
I had my vision checked at the glasses shop.
I had an eye exam at the eye clinic.