Doctors warned against buying online eye drop supplements

By, Husna Fathiyyah

GOMBAK, 21th October 2024: Online shopping has become a popular choice for many, but some sellers are exploiting the platform to sell fake, unlicensed eye drop supplements while misusing doctors’ names to attract oblivious customers. 

In conjunction with the World Sight Day 2024, the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmologists held a media conference on Wednesday, 16th October 2024, to raise awareness about the dangers of buying eye drop supplements online. The speakers at the media conference included Dr. Muiz Mahyudin, Datuk Prof. Dr. Muhaya Mohamad, Dr. Chan Jan Bond, and Dr. Barkeh Hanim Jumaat.

A well-known ophthalmologist and motivational speaker, Datuk Prof. Dr. Muhaya, has seen her name misused by irresponsible sellers to falsely endorse their products online. 

According to her, the online ads are AI-generated videos which combined her images and videos with an AI-generated voice designed to mimic her own, deceiving consumers into believing the endorsements are legitimate.

“I have already contacted people (officials) in the government including MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission). The IGP (Inspector-General of Police) has already known about this and conducted a raid,” she said.

However, fake ads are still rampant.

A Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Barkeh Hanim Jumaatal, also expressed her concerns with the fake ads.

“I don’t have social media, but somehow I am also targeted by these scammers,” she said.

The speakers warned that even posing for photos can be risky, as scammers can re-edit those images for use in their fake ads.

“We have already done multiple and numerous reports to MCMC and police. But there are still there,” she added.

 “It’s a losing battle for us,” she sighed.

According to Dr. Muiz Mahyudin, the fake ads and the fake supplements are works of criminal syndicates, beyond the border of Malaysia. After years of aggressively fighting against the scammers, “it is time to educate the public,” said the President of the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmologists.

“Do not buy online eye drop supplements. This medication can be very dangerous and our eyes are very sensitive. With incorrect PH (the acidity of the eyes), people can go blind.”

“Do not stop your medication. Some thought that these drops can cure them and stop taking (prescribed) medications instead. You can go blind,” said Dr. Muiz Mahyudin.

Datuk. Prof. Dr. Muhaya Mohamad also reiterated his statement.

“The machines to perform the surgery as well as the microscopes used cost hundreds of thousands Ringgit. The doctors have also undergone training for five to six years. How can an eye drop solve the disease instantly?” she said, referring to eye diseases like the cataract, glaucoma as well as myopia, or nearsightedness.

A consultant ophthalmologist, Dr. Chan Jan Bond, advised the public to focus on taking care of their health rather than buying supplements. 

“Doing basic things like taking care of yourself, doing more exercise, looking less at handphones, all of these things is better than buying supplements,” Dr. Chan Jan Bond insisted.

“Please be aware, don’t waste your hard-earned money,” noted Dr. Muiz Mahyudin.***