Building Connections Through Research and Lived Experience at the V.I.P. Coffee Morning!
On Tuesday, 22 April, Fighting Blindness welcomed researchers and members of the public living with sight loss to a special V.I.P. (Visually Impaired Person’s) Network Coffee Morning at its offices in Dublin City Centre. The event created an informal and engaging space for conversation, connection and shared learning between researchers from Irish universities and people with lived experience of sight loss.
The morning began with a warm welcome and brief round of introductions, giving attendees the opportunity to meet one another and share their backgrounds, interests and connections to the sight loss community. The event aimed to highlight the importance of bringing together research expertise and lived experience to help shape meaningful and impactful vision research.
Participants then split into two interactive discussion spaces designed to encourage research-focused conversations, as well as just getting to know one another over a cup of coffee!
Image Description: Group of people seated and chatting at a VIP coffee morning event in a community hall with banners about blindness awareness.
Discovery Space: Research & Lived Experience
In the Discovery Space, researchers and public contributors explored the relationship between scientific research and the lived experience of sight loss. Attendees discussed current areas of vision research, patient priorities, and the value of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in ensuring research remains relevant and person-centred.
The session gave researchers valuable insight into the everyday realities and challenges faced by people living with sight loss, while attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the exciting research taking place across Ireland.
Activity Space: Hobbies, Interests & Helpful Tips
The Activity Space offered a relaxed and social environment where attendees shared their hobbies, interests and practical tips that support daily life and wellbeing. From accessible technology and creative passions to useful strategies for navigating everyday tasks, the discussions highlighted all the creativity and support within the community!
The space also provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with others who share similar experiences, reinforcing the importance of peer support and community engagement.
This event was organised with both the V.I.P network and Retina Network Ireland (RNI).
• The Visually Impaired Person’s (V.I.P.) network is a Fighting Blindness initiative for people living with or supporting those living with sight loss who are interested in Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) and wish to take part in advocacy and research opportunities. To find out more about the V.I.P network and how to join, please click here
• Retina Network Ireland (RNI) is an all-island network for early career researchers, clinicians, and allied healthcare professionals in the area of vision loss to provide career-building, training, and networking opportunities. To find out more about RNI and how to join, please click here
During the event we received some positive comments and feedback from attendees that we are delighted to share!
Video Description: Prof Jane Farrar, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin talking about VIP Coffee Morning
Video Description: Jade McCormack, DigiCoacher of Fighting Blindness talking about VIP Coffee Morning
Our V.I.P Coffee Mornings are part of Fighting Blindness’ ongoing commitment to Public and Patient Involvement in research and advocacy. Creating opportunities for researchers and public members to connect directly is so important for building partnerships that place the patient voice at the centre of research development.
If you would like to know more about Public and Patient Involvement, the V.I.P Network or Retina Network Ireland, you can email the Fighting Blindness Research Department at research@fightingblindness.ie.