Ramkhamhaeng University was established as a public higher education institution since 1971 on a land area of approximately 300 rai (120 acres) located on Ramkhamhaeng Road, Hua Mak Sub-district, Bang Kapi District, Bangkok. The Ramkhamhaeng University Act of 1971 designated Ramkhamhaeng University as a public higher education institution. It is a study and research institution with a market-oriented approach. Its objectives include providing high-level academic and professional education, conducting research, promoting higher education, and preserving cultural heritage.
With a strong commitment to its mission towards the nation and society, and its development towards a globalized society, the university has brought about changes in the way of life of the people. It sees a need to study health problems related to lifestyle and quality of life, particularly in the areas of eye health and vision-related issues. In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Public Health announced the Ministry of Public Health Notification No. 2 regarding the permission for individuals to practice optometry based on standards set by the Ramkhamhaeng University Council. During the 6th meeting held on July 16, 2001, the decision was made to establish the Institute of Health Sciences and approve the curriculum for a Bachelor of Optometry program, the first of its kind in Thailand. The university received academic support from the Indiana University School of Optometry in the United States, which provided expert professors to teach in the program and offered consultation on curriculum management.
Later in 2012, Ramkhamhaeng University reviewed the Bachelor of Optometry program, which had been running for over 10 years. There were more than 50 graduates who had successfully completed their education and were serving society as optometrists. The program had a rigorous teaching and learning approach and was widely recognized both at the national level, having received accreditation from the Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and internationally. It served as an example of a high-quality optometry curriculum meeting global standards. During the 14th meeting held on November 19, 2012, Ramkhamhaeng University passed a resolution to separate the Bachelor of Optometry program from the Institute of Health Sciences and establish the "Faculty of Optometry" with the organizational structure as follows:
1. Faculty Secretary Office
2. The Department of Optometry performs the following course administration duties:
2.1 Bachelor of Optometry program, in collaboration with Indiana University School of Optometry, United States;
2.2 Master's and Ph.D. programs in Vision Science, aimed at producing scientists and researchers with knowledge and expertise in vision-related sciences (program under development, not yet admitting students);
2.3 Specialist Certificate programs in various aspects of optometry for general optometrists seeking to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills (program under development, not yet admitting students).
3. Optometry clinics provide academic and professional services to the community, including eye examinations, treatment, and health consultation related to eye health.
