Final answer:
The combining form 'ophthalm(o)' refers to the 'eye,' which is a complex organ with components such as the cornea, lens, and retina, and is associated with the field of ophthalmology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining form ophthalm(o) is closely related to the definition of eye. In the context of vision and optics, ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye. The eye is a complex optical instrument, involving components such as the cornea, lens, retina, and the optic nerve that conveys signals to the brain. The lens, in particular, is crucial for focusing images clearly onto the retina. Conditions like hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), and presbyopia involve discrepancies in focusing an image precisely on the retina, and may require corrections such as glasses, contact lenses, or laser vision correction procedures.