By Marcus Zouroudis
For 50 years, Peter Coroneo has devoted his life to ensuring the eye health of thousands of people in the Sydney suburb of Earlwood.
His younger years were spent in the NSW rural town of Scone working at a picture theatre with his brother that his father – a WWII veteran – owned before colour TV was introduced.
“I grew up in the bush, we had a picture theatre before TV, and we grew up around the cinema with the cat and the dog and everybody else. We used to get drunks throwing beer cans. I loved the job, but I hated the drunks throwing beer cans,” Peter said.
It was in Sydney, after his family had moved because his brother wanted to study ophthalmology, that Peter saw his future.
“My dad was having his eyes examined by a well-known doctor. I was watching him work on my dad’s eyes and I thought, ‘that’s easy’ and so knew from that age what I was going to do,” he said.
Since 1979 at his Earlwood practice, Peter has been a staple optometrist for many Greek Australians.
Known for his decades of experience, Peter makes glasses tailored to the exact set of eyes he is caring for, no matter how young or old. He enjoys having a chat with all his clients, both new and long-term.
“The majority are Greeks, but the Greeks now all speak English,” Peter said.
Over the years, Peter has established a strong rapport with his clients, understanding that each one is more than a sets of eyes. His understanding has helped him become an optometrist who cares about the optical and physical health of his clients more than his own, believing all deserve to see with clarity and range of vision throughout their life.
“I look for diseases in the eye and I talk to the top ophthalmologists,” Peter said.
His work involves caring for the human life, as well as the life of the eye. Carefully inspecting the eye for any complications, he ensures it is not ill or life-threatening.
Peter is inspired to see his clients have the vision to witness themselves, family and friends, and to better read the world and bear in sight whatever goal they are aiming to accomplish, leading them to see a path of happiness and success.
He shares his gratitude for his clients and the area he works in.
“I’m lucky I work in an area where people are very nice,” he said. “I love my job and I have been an optometrist for 50 years. My job is made special by my clients.”
He continues to instil comfort in the eyes of many.
