Working life: Dr Melissa Jones, research officer, Fighting Blindness
Dr Melissa Jones is a research officer at Fighting Blindness and All Ireland Scholar.
Living in Meath, I need to be up early to make the commute, just shy of two hours, to the office on Ely Place in Dublin. Following a routine helps keep me on-track.
This morning, I, along with representatives from other medical research charities attend a meeting hosted by the Medical Charities Research Group (MCRG) to talk about patient and public involvement in research (PPI). PPI harnesses the invaluable expertise of patients and the public to help guide research activities and develop more effective partnerships with research groups. PPI ensures that research is conducted in mind of those it stands to benefit.
Back in the office, I check my emails and plan the day, before turning my attention to our Information Service. I’m always on call to answer queries about sight loss, treatments, clinical trials and research.
I take a call from a person recently diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition causing loss of central vision. It’s a leading cause of sight loss in people over the age of 50 in Ireland. I provide this individual with information about their condition, the supports available and post them a copy of our new booklet- A Guide to Age-related Macular Degeneration. A prime example of PPI in research, we took advice from patients and the public to produce an easily-accessible booklet in large, black and white print format.
I go out for a walk to re-charge the batteries or indulge in retail therapy.
I need to be up to speed at all times on any research developments and to keep our communications team in the loop. We are very active on social media and constantly update our website www.fightingblindness.ie. We also produce a newsletter, which I write content for.
I respond to more queries, this time about accessing genetic testing for eye conditions known as inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). We lead the ambitious Target 5000 programme, which seeks to identify the genetic and clinical profile of everyone in Ireland living with an IRD. I refer anyone interested in taking part to a Target 5000 clinic, either in Dublin or Belfast for testing.
I face into my two-hour commute home. For downtime, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching television.
