Optometry is a specialty in the healthcare industry concerned with visual acuity. A student interested in this field may expect both course work and clinical experience to become proficient in examining, diagnosing, and treating vision problems.

A Doctorate of Philosophy, or PhD, may require eight years or more to complete, as well as a dissertation. In most fields, the possession of a PhD qualifies the holder to become a professor of a chosen subject. There are many different programs available.