What does the acronym "OD" stand for in optical prescriptions?

The acronym "OD" stands for "Oculus Dexter," which is Latin for "right eye." In optical prescriptions, understanding these terms is crucial because they help differentiate between the prescriptions for the right and left eyes. "OD" specifically indicates the parameters that apply to the right eye, including measurements like the sphere, cylinder, and axis that affect how corrective lenses will be crafted for that eye.

In contrast to other options, "Oculus Sinistrum," which refers to the left eye, uses the abbreviation "OS." "Optical device" does not specifically relate to eye prescriptions and lacks the precise meaning required in this context. “Over-the-counter” is not applicable here, as it typically refers to products available for purchase without a prescription and does not relate to the terminology used in optics. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurately interpreting optical prescriptions and ensuring proper eye care is provided to customers.