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.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.