Updated January 01, 2014.

Definition:

An eyeglass prescription, similar to a medical prescription, is an order written by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, orthoptist or an optician for eyeglasses. An eyeglass prescription specifies the refractive power in which a pair of eyeglasses should be made in order to correct blurred vision due to refractive errors.

It is usually determined by the use of a phoropter, an autorefractor or through retinoscopy.

Eyeglass prescriptions are written with specific numbers and Latin abbreviations. This standardized format makes prescriptions possible to be interpreted worldwide.

Also Known As: spectacle prescription