On Jan. 16, a photo of a blind tissue-seller reading the newspapers was uploaded to Reddit Singapore and Facebook pages such as All Singapore Stuff.

The sign beside him reads, "I am blind, unable to work. I can only sell tissue paper. Please help me. Thank you for your support."

Unfortunately, the photo has gathered a number of snarky comments, mostly from social media users who pointed out the logical flaw.

Thankfully, a good number of users displayed understanding and compassion.

Blind in one eye, visually-impaired in the other

Due to the furore, Shinmin Daily News tracked down the tissue-seller in Tampines.

Speaking to the Chinese daily, 72-year-old Liu Zhen Xian said that he has been selling tissue in the area for less than a year.

He usually starts work in the afternoon and packs up at around 8pm.

Regarding the controversy over his blindness, Liu produced proof -- what looks like an ID -- from the Singapore Association Of The Visually Handicapped.

You can see a photo of it in SMDN's tweet:

The elderly man also explained that he was completely blind in his right eye and visually-impaired in his left eye.

He has difficulty seeing in low-light situations.

However, according to the tweet above, reading the papers is a long-time habit of Liu’s.

Despite his ailing eyesight, the tissue-seller continues to read the papers, however limited his vision may be.

Exasperated

Liu is exasperated about the accusations of him being a con man, SMDN reports.

"I hope that people will not speculate without verification," the tissue-seller said.

Liu adds that his right eye was injured by a marble in his 20s, while his left eye is deteriorating due to age.

Top image from Reddit Singapore / SMDN

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