Vision Eye Institute is alerting the community to reports of fake AI‑generated social media content that falsely features one of our ophthalmologists promoting unproven products or treatments. The matter has been reported to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).
We have received reports of an AI-generated, deep-fake Facebook advertisement featuring Prof Gerard Sutton promoting a product called Vital Hemp to improve vision. This product is NOT endorsed by Prof Sutton or Vision Eye Institute.
Advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier for scammers to create convincing videos, images and advertisements that misuse the names, images or voices of healthcare professionals. Australians are urged to be cautious of online advertising claims of ‘miracle’ treatments that restore vision, including paid advertisements on social media platforms.
‘Vision Eye Institute does not promote eye health products or supplements through social media advertisements,’ says National Medical Director, Dr Lewis Levitz.
‘Any content suggesting otherwise is misleading and a false representation. Patient safety and trust remain our top priority. If you are unsure about eye health advice you see online, the safest thing to do is to speak directly with a qualified eye care professional,’ he says.
Vision Eye Institute encourages anyone who encounters suspected fraudulent content to report it directly on the social media platform and email [email protected].
For accurate, evidence‑based information about eye health and treatment options, patients should always refer to advice from their eye care provider or the official Vision Eye Institute website and verified Vision Eye Institute social media accounts listed below.
- Website: visioneyeinstitute.com.au
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/VisionEyeInstitute/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/visioneyeinstituteaus/
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/vision-eye-institute
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/visioneyeinstitute