Details about previously completed Q.REC studies
For more information, contact the team at hello@q-rec.org.
Q.REC Protocol
This protocol outlines the methodology behind the Q.REC initiative. Designed for policy relevance, the Q.REC protocol enables consistent data collection, generating actionable data and insights to improve service quality.
Publication: Burnett, Anthea, et al. “Quality of refractive error care (Q. REC) in Cambodia, Malaysia and Pakistan: protocol for a cross-sectional unannounced standardised patient study.” BMJ open 12.3 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057594
Vietnam
The first Q.REC project pilot in Vietnam contributed to establishing an optometry job code, setting professional standards and recognizing the emerging field of optometry.
Publication: Lee, Ling, et al. “Indicators for assessing the quality of refractive error care.” Optometry and Vision Science 98.1 (2021): 24-31.
Cambodia
The Q.REC project in Cambodia has led to significant conversation with policymakers, with Cambodia’s National Program for Eye Health developing new regulatory measures to enhance service quality across refractive error services providers.
Publication: Burnett, Anthea, et al. “Quality of refractive error care in cambodia: an unannounced standardized patient study.” Ophthalmic Epidemiology 32.1 (2025): 25-33.
Pakistan
The Q.REC project in Pakistan engaged the National Committee for Eye Health and informed evidence-based recommendations. It also supported COAVS to introduce a Diploma in Dispensing Opticianry and short courses to strengthen dispensing quality.
Publication: Lee, Ling, et al. “Quality of refractive error care in Pakistan: an unannounced standardised patient study.” BMJ Open Ophthalmology 8.1 (2023): e001354.
China
The first Q.REC project pilot in China has just been completed. More details soon!
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Q.REC study marks a significant milestone as the first to be implemented semi-independently at the country level. This demonstrates the transition of Q.REC into a country-led approach for evaluating the quality of refractive error care. Fieldwork has been completed, and results will be shared soon.