Firm That Allegedly Led 20YO to Suicide Investigated by HSA for Touting Cures for Myopia

Even though you have perfect eyesight, you’re probably familiar with SLM Visioncare, an eye therapy company.

The company hit the headlines after one of its former employees committed suicide allegedly due to the workplace abuse she endured there.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said it’s investigating the firm for the alleged harsh working conditions.

Not only has the company had to deal with angry netizens, but they now have to contend with another investigation, this time for making certain claims.

Firm That Allegedly Led 20YO to Suicide Investigated by HSA for Touting Cures for Myopia

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is investigating two eye therapy companies, SLM Visioncare and ICC Visioncare, for advertising cures for myopia, after receiving two complaints against the firms.

According to TODAYonlnine, SLM Visioncare offered a treatment on its website that purported to help patients recover from myopia naturally.

The company claims that it uses physiotherapy to help “improve the blood circulation and elasticity” of the eyes’ ciliary muscles, which controls focusing.

The company claim this treatment is “especially effective” for children aged between 6 and 16.

Similarly, ICC Visioncare claims to have helped over 100,000 customers with visual impairment restore “their original eyesights”.

There are a few problems with these claims, though.

No Cure For Myopia

Firstly, it is illegal for companies providing healthcare services to advertise any services or skills relating to the treatment of any disease or medical condition.

As the Ministry of Health (MOH) explained: “This is so as not to mislead or induce any individuals from seeking the advice or services from the advertiser or any person referred to in the advertisement”

Moreover, ophthalmologists who spoke to TODAY said they are not aware of any scientifically proven cures for myopia and astigmatism.

Treatment Only Worsened Customer’s Eyesight 

As we’re often told: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Two disgruntled customers of SLM Visioncare who spoke to TODAYonline said their children’s sight has deteriorated since they started going for treatments, which they’ve spent thousands of dollars on.

The Consumer Association of Singapore (Case) said it’s received 11 consumer complaints against the company since Jan last year.

MOH said it has also received 6 complaints against SLM Visioncare and ICC Visioncare.

Hardly Received Complaints in 30 Years

In response to the allegations, SLM Visioncare said it has hardly received any complaints in its 30 years of operating in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, and four years in Singapore.

The company said the allegations were fabricated by “disgruntled ex-employees” who are preparing to set up a similar company.

This is the same reason they gave in response to the allegations that their harsh working conditions led to the suicide of one of their employees.

As for the results of their eye treatments, the company said results will vary.

“We have always made it known to customers that results may vary from person to person, depending on the diligence of each customer in adhering to the instructions and practices that have been recommended,”  the firm said.

There are other customers who are satisfied with their treatments, though.

The company has a truckload of complaints to deal with, but only time will tell if they hold any weight.

Image: KK Tan / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)