Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential hidden profit mechanisms of eye care companies, particularly focusing on the practices of Aier Eye Hospital and Huaxia Eye Hospital, which allegedly engage in a "donate and receive" model that allows them to profit from charitable donations and insurance reimbursements [4][8][27]. Group 1: Charitable Contributions - Aier Eye Hospital donated significant amounts to charity from 2022 to 2024, totaling 1.88 billion, 3.87 billion, and 2.17 billion respectively, while Huaxia Eye Hospital also made substantial donations of 664.99 million, 1.13 billion, and 755.05 million [5][6]. - Aier Eye Hospital has committed to donating 20 billion over the next decade for public welfare [6]. Group 2: Profit Mechanisms - Investigations reveal that donations made by Aier and Huaxia Eye Hospitals often return to their own accounts through various channels, suggesting a cycle of funds that benefits the hospitals financially [7][9]. - Aier Eye Hospital reportedly earns a profit from the difference in insurance reimbursements for cataract surgeries, where the cost of the procedure is significantly lower than the reimbursement received [9][28]. Group 3: Legal and Ethical Concerns - The operations of these hospitals may violate the Charity Law of the People's Republic of China, which prohibits designating beneficiaries that have a direct relationship with the donor [10]. - Previous reports indicated that Aier Eye Hospital had been involved in similar practices of using associated foundations to recycle charitable funds back to itself [12][13]. Group 4: Broader Industry Implications - The practices observed in Aier and Huaxia Eye Hospitals may not be isolated incidents but could reflect a broader trend within the industry, as similar cases have been reported elsewhere [31]. - Regulatory bodies are urged to investigate these practices to protect the integrity of charitable contributions and the proper use of medical insurance funds [30].