Mrs Jones' doctor referred her to an ophthalmologist who diagnosed advanced wet macular degeneration in her right eye. Her left eye was also affected.
The deterioration happened over a couple of weeks, she said.
"When I was first diagnosed I had never even heard of the condition macular degeneration and I simply did not realise the enormity of the diagnosis.
"With macular degeneration you lose your central vision and cannot identify faces, read or drive - thus losing your independence.
"To explain very simply what I see through my left eye, which we no longer treat and has completely lost its central vision, I would compare to when looking at TV news items where they block out the face of a person so it is a blur and they cannot be identified.
"This is how someone with untreated macular degeneration would normally see a person's face - they cannot see the nose, eyes, mouth and ears."
She had four injections into her right eye over a period of four months.
"I had every belief that this course of injections would return my sight to its normal level and was absolutely devastated to learn after the fourth injection that the sight in my right eye was 'irretrievable' and my left eye was failing fast."
She lost her vision for six months.
However, a second opinion from a doctor in Auckland recommended a course of treatment with another drug.
This improved her right eye and this is still being checked regularly.
But her left eye still has no central vision.
However, the overall result has made a huge difference to her life and given her back her independence.
Since her diagnosis, she has been inspired to bring awareness of the condition to all New Zealanders, "to let them know there is hope and help for those who are affected".
She speaks to local retirement villages, Probus, Rotary and community groups.
"So many people think that when they have eyesight issues it is simply because they are getting older, this is not the case and if you see any change in your vision you should visit an optometrist immediately, do not delay, and be sure to ask if they have tested the macula.
"Time lost is vision lost, early detection saves sight."
What is macular degeneration (MD)?
* The macula is the central part of the retina, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina processes all visual images. It is responsible for your ability to read, recognise faces, drive and see colours clearly.
* Macular degeneration (MD) causes progressive loss of central vision but peripheral vision is not affected.
* There are two types of MD, dry and wet. Dry MD is more common than wet and results in a gradual loss of central vision. Dry MD may progress to the wet form over time.
* Wet MD is characterised by a sudden and severe loss of vision caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the retina. Immediate medical treatment of wet MD is essential.
* This week is macular degeneration week, to find out more visit: http://www.mdnz.org.nz/