Benjamin Pooley

Benjamin Pooley is a Lecturer in Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) at the University of Sunderland, affiliated with the School of Nursing and Health Sciences within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing. He holds a BA (Hons) in American Studies and a Master's in Diplomacy from Lancaster University (2004–2005). Prior to his academic role, he spent 18 years in the retail optics sector with both chain and independent optician businesses.

His research interests focus on optics and eye health, alongside neurodiversity—particularly neurodiversity in children and their educational experiences. He actively bridges practical healthcare insights from his industry background into academic and public involvement initiatives.