Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order with Carrot Neurotechnology, Inc. and its co-owners, requiring them to stop making deceptive claims that their “Ultimeyes” app can improve users’ vision.

According to the FTC’s complaint, ads for Ultimeyes falsely stated that the app would “Turn Back The Clock On Your Vision.” The ads further claimed that users would benefit from “comprehensive vision improvement” for activities such as sports, reading, and driving, and that using the app would reduce the need for glasses and contact lenses.

The final order settling the complaint requires Carrot and its owners to have competent and reliable scientific evidence before making the vision claims challenged in the FTC complaint for Ultimeyes and similar products, or claims regarding the health benefits, performance, efficacy, safety, or side effects of any product or service.

The final order also prohibits the defendants from misrepresenting any scientific research, and it requires them to clearly disclose their connections with anyone conducting or participating in scientific research they cite as substantiation for their claims, and with anyone endorsing their products. They also will pay $150,000 to the Commission.

The Commission vote approving the final order and response to public commenters was 4-0. (FTC File No. 142-3132; the staff contact is Karen Mandel, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2491.)

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).  Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.