Photos courtesy of Broomall Eye Care
When it comes to choosing an eye doctor, a major factor to consider is the recommendation of that doctor by friends, family members or coworkers. Word-of-mouth referrals often are the best way to find a friendly, competent and caring eye doctor. Luckily for residents of Marple Newtown, Dr. Michael Allodoli of Broomall Eye Care is a local optometrist who provides relationship-based eye care. Since Dr. Michael Allodoli first opened his practice in 2006, he has built trusting relationships with patients who return year after year and recommend his practice to our friends and neighbors.
A Philadelphia native, Dr. Allodoli grew up in Overbrook and attended Malvern Preparatory School for high school, where he especially enjoyed his math and science classes. He went on to study at Temple University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Biology. He furthered his education at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he received his master’s degree in Biology and then became a Doctor of Optometry in 1988.
Dr. Allodoli began his career as an optometrist working in the retail eyeglass business, performing eye exams and prescribing eyeglasses. Although the job was fast-paced and enjoyable, he said what was missing was forming a personal connection with patients. “Jumping from one appointment to the next didn’t allow much time to get to know any of my patients,” he explained.
In 2006 Dr. Allodoli left the retail eyeglass business and opened up his own practice, Broomall Eye Care. For the past 34 years he’s been providing services including eye exams, treatment and eyeglasses. What he discovered was that working for himself has been very fulfilling. “In my own practice, everything is much more personal,” he said. “ When patients come back, they get to see me again, year after year.”
Broomall Eye Care provides comprehensive eye care services, including eye exams, eye disorder diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases including astigmatism, glaucoma and cataracts. “Even if you don’t need corrective vision care, these exams are important in order
to monitor your overall eye health and wellness,” said Dr. Allodoli. He explained that regular exams by an eye doctor can help detect a variety of health issues. “Aside from getting access to vision correction like glasses or contacts, an eye exam can offer insight into other healthcare concerns,” he added.
Broomall Eye Care is conveniently located in the Lawrence Park Business Center. The office staff and patients know each other by name, seeing the same familiar faces every time they come for their visits. Patients are typically greeted by Dr. Allodoli’s wife Lisa, the office manager, or one of their other friendly staff members. Optician Stephen Lacoste has been with the practice since it opened, and now his son Samuel has joined the team, helping with the insurance side of the business.
The Allodolis are longtime Marple Newtown residents. After meeting Lisa at a company Christmas party back when Dr. Allodoli was working in the retail eyeglass business, he and Lisa hit it off, married and decided to settle down in Marple. They raised two sons, Gianmichael and Robert, both of whom graduated from Marple Newtown High School. “We loved raising our children here, getting to know other families and being part of a great community,” he said. The Allodoli’s home in Marple is even close enough for them to walk to work. When they’re not working, an ideal day for them is to spend time in their garden. Although owning a practice doesn’t always allow for many days off, we asked Dr. Allodi where they like to go on vacation. Perhaps no surprise to our readers, they love the Jersey shore, too!
”Working and living in the same community has been fulfilling and enjoyable. It’s also allowed me to make personal connections with my patients,” said Dr. Allodoli. That combination of personal connections, experience and expertise in the optometry field are why so many Marple Newtown friends and neighbors continue to recommend Dr. Allodoli’s practice for eye care. Getting to know his patients so well over the years has allowed him to give each one a more informed diagnosis and treatment plan.
Whether you need an eye exam, a routine checkup or eyeglasses, Broomall Eye Care is always accepting new patients of all ages. Call 610-325-7688 today or visit www.BroomallEyeCare.com to make an appointment or to learn more about their services.