60+ years of combined experience
Walkersville Eyecare was founded in 1988 by Dr. David M. Sclar, a native of Frederick, Maryland. Dr. Sclar established the practice with a simple philosophy: to treat every patient with respect and kindness while providing first-rate eye care.
Prior to Dr. Sclar’s retirement, ownership was assumed by Dr. Allgaier in 2015. Never satisfied with the status quo, Dr. Allgaier continually strives to live up to Dr. Sclar’s philosophy by educating himself and his staff and having his office equipped with state of the art technology. For the patients of Walkersville Eyecare, this means thorough and complete eye examinations, early detection and treatment of disease(s), and a personalized plan to meet their visual needs. Dr. Allgaier shares this philosophy with Dr. Smith and Dr. Chado. Together they are committed to providing professional family vision care in a kind and caring environment.

Steven R. Allgaier, OD
Dr. Allgaier grew up in Frederick County, Maryland. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University (1996) and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (2001), he decided to return to this beautiful area and serve the community where he grew up. He joined Walkersville Eyecare in 2004. Special interests include fitting contact lenses, co-managing LASIK, pediatrics, low vision, and patient education. Dr. Allgaier is married and has five amazing children. Favorite pastimes include spending time with his family, serving in his church, and training for half and full marathons.

Lisa G. Smith, OD
Dr. Smith grew up in Eastern North Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Duke University in Durham, NC. Her Doctorate of Optometry degree was received from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN where she graduated Summa Cum Laude as the valedictorian of her class. Dr. Smith completed a medical optometric training course at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. She also received training in children’s developmental vision at the Whittier Vision Center in Whittier, CA. She has practiced in Frederick County since 1999. Dr. Smith and her husband, Bob, love to travel, cook, and volunteer for their church. Her grown stepdaughters, Natalie and Nicole, live in Virginia.

Sydney Chado, OD, FAAO
Dr. Sydney Chado (formerly Dr. Sydney Cooper) is a medical optometrist, specializing in Ocular Disease and Primary Eye Care. She enjoys caring for patients of all ages and finds fulfillment in helping her patients find the right glasses or contact lens prescription to help them live their lives to the fullest.
In 2019, she graduated with her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. After graduation, Dr. Chado continued to pursue additional training in an Ocular Disease residency program at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, and completed her Fellowship through the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Chado is also a member of the Maryland Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Dr. Chado was raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley States University in Grand Rapids, MI, she moved to Memphis, TN to attend Optometry School, where she met her husband, a Frederick native. Dr. Chado currently resides in Walkersville with her husband and two children. In her free time, Dr. Chado enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and getting outside, whether it be hiking, biking, kayaking, or relaxing at the lake. Since 2020, Dr. Chado has been serving the Frederick area and looks forward to continuing to provide the highest standard of compassion and excellence in eye care to her home community of Walkersville.
Patient Reviews
We're grateful for the 500+ reviews on Google.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This continues to be an outstanding Optometry practice! The entire staff is warm and inviting while remaining completely professional. Dr. Allgier is a phenomenal optometrist. He pays attention to every nuance of treatment. He remembers patient history and previous concerns, and weaves these and suggestions into conversation masterfully. His is knowledgeable in patient care, which shows in his recommendations and considerations for each individual. His approach is completely practical; I have never felt pressure to purchase anything; more expensive or something not needed. I trust him and his remarkable team with my eye health and the eye health of my children. Highly recommend this practice! They are the standard for excellence!Posted on Google![]()
Mary Chizmar2 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have used Walkersville Eyecare for years. Exceptional service from kind and knowledgeable staff.Posted on Google![]()
Diane Willoughby1 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was very impressed with my doctor and with the rest of the staff they were courteous on time and very efficientPosted on Google![]()
Marsha Arneson1 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Professional and welcoming staff. Great service and Lots of time and opportunities to ask questions and get feedback on your eye care.!Posted on Google![]()
McKee Alexander30 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Friendly, timely wait, wide assortment of choices, clean environment, very thorough, professional, knowledgeable, affordable, timely appointments, and the new doctor, I forgot his name, the very best excellent service, answers all my questions, welcoming & very knowledgeable, very patient, answers my questions and concerns, had a variety of eye testing he is simple the best.Posted on Google![]()
Jestina Russell25 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding service. Professional reception staff to excellent vision/medical care!Posted on Google![]()
melinda grenier24 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have been seeing Dr. Allgaier at Walkersville Eyecare for over 10 years: That is saying something! Personable, patient-centered care is the standard at this small practice. Keep up the good work, Team!Posted on Google![]()
Jason Harrington18 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My experience was outstanding. My care from Dr Allgaier was superb, and just as importantly I was welcomed and made to feel at ease by the front desk staff. Inadvertently, my husband and I had overlapping Drs appointments which meant we had to juggle the care of our 17 month old granddaughter. My granddaughter felt at ease through the whole process, and, I did too! I’m grateful as both my husband and I had waited months for our respective appointments and neither of us wanted to cancel!Posted on Google![]()
Deborah Thackston16 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Always awesome people to deal with.Extremely friendly. Not to mention how wonderful Dr.Algiaer is! Been going to this practice for 36 years and have never had a problem!A++++Highly recommend!Posted on Google![]()
Donna Norris16 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding service everyone was so nice and you were not rushedPosted on Google![]()
martha moore16 September 2026

