ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH TELEHEALTH COMPANY, VISIBLY

Attorney General Kwame Raoul
Attorney General Kwame Raoul

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH TELEHEALTH COMPANY, VISIBLY 

Settlement Prevents Visibly From Misrepresenting Safety or Effectiveness of Vision Tests 

Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a bipartisan national settlement with Visibly Inc. (Visibly) that resolves an investigation into deceptive business practices at the online telehealth company. Visibly, formerly known as Opternative Inc., is a Chicago-based company that markets and sells an online vision test, among other products. 

The Illinois Attorney General’s office opened the multistate investigation after a letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Visibly about marketing its online vision tests without the requisite clearance or approval. Raoul’s investigation raised concerns about unsubstantiated claims made by Visibly regarding the accuracy and safety of its online test, including that it was as accurate as an in-person exam. In addition, the investigation evaluated Visibly’s misrepresentations about other product aspects, including customer satisfaction rates and satisfaction guarantees. 

“Individuals increasingly turn to the internet for products and services to improve their health and well-being, and they oftentimes rely on the claims companies make about their offerings,” Raoul said. “Companies that deceive the public with false claims about their products and services must be held accountable, and I will continue to work to protect consumers from unfair business practices.”  

Raoul’s settlement requires Visibly to adhere to certain standards and pay $500,000 to the participating states. Illinois will receive nearly $85,000 under the settlement agreement. Visibly has also agreed, among other things, to: 

Not market or sell any product to consumers unless it can be legally marketed or sold in accordance with the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) or other FDA authority. 

Not make any representations comparing the safety or effectiveness of any Visibly product to products or services provided in person by medical professionals without possessing competent and reliable scientific evidence substantiating the representation. 

Clearly label that its products have not been endorsed by any provider appearing on its “Find a Doctor” feature. 

Disclose that its online vision test is not a substitute for an in-person comprehensive eye examination, and urge consumers to seek such exams to determine overall eye health. 

Visibly sought FDA clearance for its visual acuity test while Raoul’s investigation was pending, and FDA approval was granted in August 2022. 

Joining Raoul in participating in the settlement are the attorneys general of Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. 

Rich Township Meeting details township’s operations 

Park Forest, Ill. -- On Tuesday, April 11, evening Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan supported and joined the Rich Township Clerk, Arlene “Sugar” Al-Amin, in facilitating the Annual Township meeting of Rich Township. 

More than 200 people joined the leaders to hear and learn of the full scope of operations, administration, general services, and special events of Rich Township. Residents were amazed to learn of the magnitude of services that have been achieved during Supervisor Jordan’s tenure of office. Many in attendance were not aware that Rich Township received the coveted 2022 Illinois Township of the Year Award. 

Residents were introduced to the Trustees and constitutional officers of the Township. In addition, they learn of the many roles that are performed by township officials as well as special dates of interest that are forthcoming. 

“It’s always a rewarding feeling to hear so many positive comments of the impact our township has on every resident of the region. Our seniors have become family members for many of us in the township. We pride ourselves in ensuring that we can meet the needs of every senior. This also includes their recreational needs.” says Supervisor Jordan. 

Clerk “Sugar” Al-Amin added, “The Annual meeting of the township is all about transparency. We want our residents to know firsthand how their hard-earned tax dollars are being utilized within the township. They love to hear how fiscally conservative the Township Board of Trustees have been with the finances of the region. “ 

During the meeting residents witnessed the installation of Devon Taylor to the position of Deputy Clerk of Rich Township. 

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