The Arclight Ophthalmoscope: A Reliable Low-Cost Alternative to the Standard Direct Ophthalmoscope

Abstract

Background. The Arclight ophthalmoscope is a low-cost alternative to standard direct ophthalmoscopes. This study compared the Arclight ophthalmoscope with the Heine K180 direct ophthalmoscope to evaluate its reliability in assessing the vertical cup disc ratio (VCDR) and its ease of use (EOU). Methods. Eight medical students used both the Arclight and the Heine ophthalmoscopes to examine the optic disc in 9 subjects. An EOU score was provided after every examination (a higher score indicating that the ophthalmoscope is easier to use). A consultant ophthalmologist provided the reference standard VCDR. Results. 288 examinations were performed. The number of examinations that yielded an estimation of the VCDR was significantly higher for the Arclight ophthalmoscope (125/144, 85%) compared to the Heine ophthalmoscope (88/144, 61%) (p < 0.001). The mean difference from the reference standard VCDR was similar for both instruments, with a mean of −0.078 (95% CI: −0.10 to −0.056) for the Arclight and −0.072 (95% CI: −0.097 to −0.046) for Heine (p = 0.69). The overall EOU score was significantly higher for the Arclight ophthalmoscope (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The Arclight ophthalmoscope performs as well as, and is easier to use than, a standard direct ophthalmoscope, suggesting it is a reliable, low-cost alternative.

A mixed methods comparative evaluation of a low cost otoscope (Arclight) with a traditional device in twenty‐one clinicians

“…In addition, Lowe et al demonstrated the AO to be as effective as the traditional direct ophthalmoscope when assessing the optic nerve head cup to disc ratio in human eyes in Tanzania. This is important in the assessment of glaucoma . Interestingly, in both of these two studies, the clinicians preferred the Arclight over the traditional device mainly because it was easier to use.…”

“…This is important in the assessment of glaucoma. 11 Interestingly, in both of these two studies, the clinicians preferred the Arclight over the traditional device mainly because it was easier to use.…”

Raised intracranial pressure in those presenting with headache

“…Instruments that might be easier to use than the standard direct ophthalmoscope include the PanOptic ophthalmoscope (Welch Allyn),9 and the Arclight, a pocket ophthalmoscope 10. Another option is fundus photography, using (for example) the Peek Retina, a smart phone attachment,11 or a non-mydriatic camera 12.…”

Synthesising Wider Field Images from Narrow-Field Retinal Video Acquired Using a Low-Cost Direct Ophthalmoscope (Arclight) Attached to a Smartphone

“…The novel features of the Arclight make it ideal for use in mobile clinics and remote low resource settings with limited access to power. Consequently over 10000 devices have been distributed, enabling thousands of health care workers worldwide to perform fundal examinations for the first time [9,28,24].…”

“…vices [24]. In addition, the Arclight can be attached to the camera of a mobile phone and acquire a digital recording of the fundus for the purposes of telemedicine.…”