Otoscope and ENT
There is a strong and growing evidence base for the Arclight otoscope being equivalent in practical function to more expensive traditional devices. It has been highlighted in the latest (March 2023) WHO Primary Ear and Hearing Care Training Manual.
Comparative Studies
The Arclight device is 3 diagnostic tools in 1: Direct ophthalmoscope, anterior segment loupe and otoscope.
Two studies have compared the Arclight otoscope with traditional more expensive devices. Both studies, one from the UK and one from Malawi, concluded that the Arclight is a cost-effective and appropriate substitute for orthodox otoscopes especially in resource poor settings.
- A mixed methods comparative evaluation of a low cost otoscope (Arclight) with a traditional device in twenty-one clinicians. Hey SY, Buckley JC et al.
- Comparative evaluation of a low-cost solar powered otoscope with a traditional device among health care workers in Malawi. Katharine Balfour BSc (Hons), Amy McCarthy, Shi Ying Hey et al
Establishing Ear Disease Screening Services
Based on the Arclight otoscope being an effective alternative to traditional devices the team in Malawi have used it to help establish their ENT services. This has led to combined eye & ear screening protocols that use the Arclight.
- Feasibility and acceptability of training community health workers in ear and hearing care in Malawi: a cluster randomised controlled trial. Wakisa Mulwafu, Hannah Kuper, Asgaut Viste, Frederik K Goplen
- Initiating and developing clinical services, training and research in a low resource setting: the Malawi ENT experience. Wakisa Mulwafu, Thomas Elliot Nyirenda et al
- Rationale and feasibility of a combined rapid assessment of avoidable blindness and hearing loss protocol. Tess Bright, Ian McCormick, Mwanaisha Phiri, Wakisa Mulwafu et al
Arclight Simulation Ear
Recently the Arclight simulation ear has been evaluated and considered a highly valid yet low cost tool in otoscopy training.
Comparative validity of three simulation platforms for objective assessment of otoscopy skills.