Billy R. Hammond

Billy R. Hammond is a Professor at the University of Georgia with primary appointments in the Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Neuroscience Programs, alongside adjunct roles in the Foods and Nutrition Department and Gerontology Program. His research is conducted from the Vision Sciences Laboratory in the Psychology Building (520).

His research focuses on the human visual system from ocular structures to neural processing, with dietary carotenoids (lutein/zeaxanthin) as central themes. Key areas include:

• Macular pigment's role in preventing age-related eye diseases and dementia
• Sports vision optimization and visual performance metrics
• Infant visual system development and maturation
• Effects of light filtering (blue-light/UV) on visual function

Recent publications (2018-2024) reveal consistent investigation into how optical interventions and macular carotenoids influence color perception, glare response, and cognitive-visual interactions across ages. This work bridges ophthalmology, optometry, and nutritional neuroscience through rigorous psychophysical methods.

The Vision Sciences Laboratory maintains an interdisciplinary approach, integrating neuroscience, nutrition science, and vision research to address fundamental and applied questions about eye-brain connections throughout the lifespan.