Evaluation of arclight frugal smartphone video otoscopy

Abstract

Background Frugal innovations are essential in low-resource settings to provide cost-effective medical solutions without compromising functionality. The Arclight is a robust, solar-powered device that functions as both an ophthalmoscope and an otoscope, priced at approximately 12€ in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objectives This study evaluates the Arclight's potential as a video otoscope when attached to smartphones, aiming to enhance telemedicine capabilities in ear examinations.

Methods Twenty otorhinolaryngology (ORL) specialists rated the standalone Arclight as well as its attachment to an iPhone 12 and a Samsung Galaxy A14 for ear examinations at the University Medical Centre in Mainz, Germany.

Results The standalone Arclight received the highest ratings overall, followed by the Arclight attached to a Samsung Galaxy A14. Attached to the Samsung Galaxy A14, the Arclight demonstrated significantly higher performance regarding ease of focus (p < 0.01), quality of view (p < 0.05), and zoom capabilities (p < 0.05) compared to the iPhone12 attachment. The iPhone12 setup performed lowest in all categories.

Conclusion The Arclight is an effective, low-cost tool for ear examinations in low-resource settings. While smartphone integration enhances its potential for telemedicine, performance varies depending on the smartphone used. The Samsung Galaxy A14 proved to be a more reliable option for tele-otoscopy than the iPhone 12. Further optimization is needed to improve smartphone integration and address identified limitations, enhancing the Arclight's utility in telemedicine applications.