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The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) is urging the Ministry of Health to include critical sight-saving medications for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy on the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP) drug list.
The call follows Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe’s recent announcement that new medications have been added to CDAP for conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, depression, and high cholesterol, effective October 1, 2025. While welcoming the move, the TTBWA said similar attention should be given to drugs that can prevent avoidable blindness.
The National Eye Survey of Trinidad and Tobago (2013–2014) identified glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) as the main causes of preventable blindness in the country. However, the Association said many patients are unable to access essential treatments consistently.
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