Eyes on the Senate: A Visionary Moment for T&T

Did you see what happened in the Senate last week?

Trinidad and Tobago is on the cusp of a long-overdue transformation. For the first time in our nation’s history, the President has appointed a visually impaired citizen to serve in the Senate.

Independent Senator Alicia Pauline Lalite-Etienne took her oath alongside another committed advocate from our local eye health community. Together, they represent a historic and hopeful shift: we now have not just one, but two voices in Parliament who are deeply connected to the lived experience of visual disability. This is more than symbolic — it’s catalytic.

Senator Lalite-Etienne’s presence alone is a powerful statement. But beyond that, her advocacy stands to influence policy, increase awareness, and drive accessibility reforms within the very halls of power. It's our hope that her perspective will spark not just new legislation, but a cultural shift — one where inclusivity becomes the norm, not the exception.

Representation matters.

And when it comes to eye health and disability rights, visibility is advocacy. For too long, the needs of the blind and visually impaired have been overlooked or under-prioritized in public policy. But when we empower people with lived experience to lead, we move from empathy to action — from awareness to real, measurable change.

At Eye Love by Iton, we believe eye health is a community issue. It's not just about vision screenings or access to corrective lenses (although those are crucial); it's about equity, inclusion, and ensuring that no one is left behind due to preventable or unsupported visual impairments. This is especially relevant as the global eye health community pushes toward the goal of universal eye care — making quality eye health services accessible, affordable, and inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability, income, or geography.

This moment in our Parliament is more than just a milestone — it’s a reflection of that global vision starting to take shape right here at home. And it fuels our commitment to keep designing with purpose, advocating with heart, and shining a light on stories that too often remain unseen.

We’d love to hear your story.

At Eye Love by Iton, we’re building more than a brand — we’re building community. Follow us to stay updated on the intersections of eye health, advocacy, and design. And if you or someone you love has a story about navigating life with visual impairment, we invite you to reach out. Your experiences matter — and they deserve to be seen.