Dr. Lynne Lim has her daughter to thank for her groundbreaking invention. After taking the young girl to have her ears pierced, she had an epiphany after seeing the rapid clicking motion of the piercing gun. It proved to be a spark of inspiration to develop CLiKX—the world’s first handheld robotic device for ear tube surgery without the need for microscopes, costly surgery, and general anaesthesia. 

CLiKX is poised to transform the treatment of otitis media with effusion (OME)—the built-up fluids in children’s ears also known as ‘glue ear’—which affects up to 80 per cent of children below 10, and can potentially cause hearing loss and brain infections. The groundbreaking device, developed in collaboration with engineer Gan Chee Wee, streamlines the traditionally complex procedure of ventilation tube insertion, making the procedure more accessible and less invasive.

A decade and 20 prototypes later, CLiKX passed a pilot clinical human trial at NUH for safety and efficacy. Dr. Lynne Lim, who founded the edtech start-up, NousQ, with Gan in 2021,  intends to send the device for trials in the US next year. She hopes to get approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“It is not possible to balance your professional and personal life at the early stages of an invasive surgical device start-up, especially in a challenging time and nascent ecosystem,” says Dr. Lim. The ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon is also the Vice-Dean at the National University of Singapore’s School of Medicine, and has been instrumental in establishing the MSc Audiology program and the Centre for Hearing, Speech, and Balance at the National University Health System.

“It may be easier to find a “balance” if it is something you really want to do, and if you have a team working for something bigger than yourself,” she adds.

Tell us more about CLiKX.

CLiKX is the first robotic handheld device for ear tube surgery. It simplifies the surgery by inserting 1 mm ear tubes with one click in one second. This allows the procedure to be done in a clinic with local anaesthesia and a portable headlight. This innovation reduces costs, eliminates general anaesthesia risks, shortens waiting times, and reduces the need for extensive equipment and manpower. 

What is a major challenge your industry faces?

The skyrocketing cost and poor access to care in both developing and developed countries. Instead of focusing on essential needs, efforts are being sidetracked by flashy, complex innovations. The danger lies in shifting priorities for short-term financial gains. We must do more than pay lip service to address these significant unmet basic needs and rights.

What’s an industry concern that keeps you awake?

It is crucial that we truly listen to patients—not just see or hear them, or treat them as we think best. Often, their voices are overshadowed by businesses, regulatory bodies, reimbursements, policymakers, and even medical professionals. In the complex global healthcare ecosystem with many competing demands, clarity can only come from a patient-focused approach. 

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

It came as a thought-provoking question: “What is the worst that can happen if you try it?” The answer was disarmingly simple and one I found within myself: failure. But with that realisation came a sense of freedom. Failure is merely a step towards starting anew. Embrace this mindset, and you’ll be empowered to undertake grand endeavours and pursue the seemingly impossible.

What personal achievement are you most proud of?

I take immense pride in the cherished relationships I have with my husband Joos, daughter Natania, and close friends. I am also proud of caring for my mother, who faces the challenges of dementia and Parkinson’s. Lastly, leading the small but tight-knit NousQ team fills me with incredible pride—they are brilliant and extremely big-hearted.

NousQ

Photography by Franz Navarrete / Hair & Makeup by Greg’O