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On 3 December the Oxford University Hospitals Staff Recognition Awards took place at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. These awards marked the outstanding achievements, hard work and dedication shown by hospital staff.

Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Susan Downes, who has an honorary contract with the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, received an award for her work transforming the lives of patients suffering genetic eye conditions.

She was awarded the gold prize for her outstanding research into inherited retinal disease.

Susan Downes has worked tirelessly to ensure all patients with inherited retinal disease in the Thames Valley and beyond have access to specialist ophthalmic care. It's thanks to her that we have one of the best ophthalmic research units in the UK.
- Alexina Fantato

Miss Downes was nominated by clinical research manager Alexina Fantato after working together for the past 14 years. Mrs Fantato said Miss Downes has dedicated her life to offer new treatments and services for NHS patients with sight-threatening conditions. Mrs Fantato said patients are now offered genetic testing for the condition on the NHS, thanks to Miss Downes' work.

Miss Downes said: 'It means so much to me that someone I think so highly of had nominated me. I think it is a reflection of a whole team effort, not just me.'