I think the original text probsbly said "regarded this AS eyewash". I think "this" refers to some kind of statement made to the public by an organisation - perhaps a company - about something it had done wrong, where perhaps many customers had complained about it. On hearing/reading the statement, some thought it was rubbish ('eyewash') and probably ignored it, whereas others asked the company for information: status of complaint (Has the complaint been received? When will there be an answer? etc.) and actions taken - what has the company done about it?.