Eve Research

Meet the founder

Dr. Lauren Hacker, O.D.

Doctor of Optometry · Founder of Eve Research · Athens, Georgia

Nova Southeastern O.D.VA Residency Trained15+ Years in PracticeClinical Researcher

Dr. Lauren Hacker is a Doctor of Optometry and the founder of Eve Research in Athens, Georgia. She has cared for patients of all ages for more than 15 years, and has spent much of her career at the leading edge of vision research.

She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and completed a residency at the Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, focusing on ocular disease, low vision, and specialty contact lens fittings. In private practice she provided comprehensive eye care along with post-operative care using the latest cataract and LASIK technologies. She is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association, and holds an active Georgia license and injections certification.

Research that reaches everyday life

Lenses that adapt to the light around you

Over the past decade, Dr. Hacker has helped run clinical studies for leading eye-care companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Alcon. One project she is especially proud of tested contact lenses that automatically darken in bright light. Working alongside vision scientists at the University of Georgia, the team measured how these light-adapting lenses helped people see more comfortably and clearly in intense glare, like bright sunlight. Research like this is how the everyday products that make vision easier get proven safe and effective before they ever reach you.

About the practice

About Eve Research

Eve is short for Emerging Vision Exploration. Founded by Dr. Hacker in 2021, its mission is simple: connect people in the community with local eye and vision studies, and make taking part easy.

  • We match you to studies you may qualify for, based on what you tell us.
  • We invite you to take part with no obligation, and you can opt out anytime.
  • Signing up takes a minute. When a study fits you, we reach out and you pick a time that works.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Hacker has called Athens, Georgia home for 20 years. She is married to John Bracey and mom to their daughter, Ivey Jane.

Interested in taking part in a study?

Add your name to our list. It only takes a minute.

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