Meet the Carolina Animal Eye Team
Get to know the dedicated veterinary professionals behind the compassionate, expert eye care we provide across Upstate South Carolina.
Compassionate Specialists, Committed to Your Pet’s Vision
At Carolina Animal Eye, we’re more than a veterinary ophthalmology clinic — we’re a dedicated team of specialists committed to preserving and improving your pet’s vision and ocular comfort. With decades of combined experience in veterinary ophthalmology and specialty care, our staff proudly serves pet owners throughout Greenville, Seneca, Anderson, Spartanburg, and beyond.
We believe compassionate, expert care starts with the people who deliver it. Meet the professionals behind our trusted reputation.
Our Experienced and Dedicated Team
Diana Pate
I get asked all the time why I went into the specialty of veterinary ophthalmology. I have to credit the start of my veterinary ophthalmology career to my first mentor, Dr. Dan Ward, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee during veterinary school. He showed me how ophthalmology was a true art, requiring both precision and patience. I then went on to learn under so many more great practitioners during my internship at the University of Georgia and residency at North Carolina State University, as well as many colleagues in private practice. It gives me joy not only improving patients’ comfort and vision, but overall quality of life. I also appreciate the combination of medical and surgical cases that ophthalmology provides. I look forward to continuing to develop my practice with time, as I believe we never stop learning, no matter how much experience we have.
In my free time, I enjoy watching my two boys grow with my incredibly supportive and patient husband, staying active, and traveling. We have one dog, Ethel Beatrice, who keeps us laughing every day.
Ameer Raja
I have been in the veterinary medical field for 16 years after I received my Bachelors in Biology at the University of South Carolina. My initial goal was to go to veterinary school but after working in the field I realized I could provide valuable care to our patients as a technician. After 6 years in general practice, I had the wonderful opportunity to join Dr. Pate and the ophthalmology department at Upstate Vet, where we were colleagues for 8 years. I found a new passion in the world of ophthalmology. I found that I take great pride in my ability to work with stressed and scared patients. It is very rewarding when we are warned that we may need sedation to perform an exam on a patient and then with a little bit of patience, earning their trust, and learning how to approach them we can successfully do an entire ophtho exam without sedation. It is gratifying having satisfied pet-parents and calm patients that didn’t need sedation and didn’t have to go through too much stress.
In my free time my wife and I enjoy being outdoors or working with plants, whether it is in our gardens, hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing.
Grace Metrinko
I attended the University of South Florida earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. I have over 18 years of experience in the veterinary field and began my vet med journey as a vet assistant in Beaufort, SC in 2006. In 2011 I moved to Greenville with my husband and continued my career with a multi-specialty veterinary hospital. I have worked, trained, and managed multiple teams within specialty veterinary medicine, but found my true calling in ophthalmology. In 2022, I had the opportunity to focus solely on running and coordinating a fast-paced ophthalmology team. I have a passion for providing an exceptional client experience with personalized loving care.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Matt and our four legged family. We have 2 dogs (Grendel and Nimue), 2 cats (Furiosa and Elvira) and 1 very spoiled house pig (Sir Galahad). Sir Galahad considers himself a Greenville foodie and enjoys taking in the local flavors any time mom and dad take him out in his blue wagon. If you see Sir Galahad out and about, be sure to say hi.
Additional fun fact about me: I can fit 14 marshmallow peeps in my mouth and still say “Chubby Bunny”.
Mary Kinnunen
Veterinary Technician
I am an Upstate South Carolina native who has worked in veterinary medicine for over ten years. I have a particular passion for feline patients, anesthesia, quality patient care, and ophthalmology. Outside of work, my hobbies include hiking and exploring the natural world, specifically enjoying mountaintop sunrises and sunsets. I reside in Greer with my husband and two cats, Milkbone and Kissa.
Jason Autrey
Veterinary Technician
I joined the veterinary community the summer of my last year of high school. I started with kennel work and cleaning. I quickly realized I had a “knack” for animals and their owners. Throughout college I continued in the field and my mom’s cleaning business. I have had the unique opportunity of working with countless wonderful doctors. I have enjoyed corporate veterinary medicine, emergency care, specialty medicine, a 24/7 practice and then a private practice. I have enjoyed multiple roles through my career, which has led me to join this amazing team at CAE.
In my spare time, my significant other and I enjoy our fur kids (2 Chinese Cresteds and a Toy Poodle), cars, short getaways and fine dining. I also love gardening, when I get the opportunity. I am extremely excited to join this team and have this new and challenging adventure.
Aaron Pate
I am originally from Tennessee and spent much of my early years on my family’s farm surrounded by cattle, horses, and an endless number of dogs. My love for animals began in childhood and only deepened as I grew. As a teenager, I moved to Athens, Georgia, where I became a devoted University of Georgia (UGA) fan.
I pursued my veterinary education at Ross University and completed my clinical year at University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, I completed an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
My wife and I are the proud parents of two young boys, a scruffy terrier mix named Ms. Ethel B and our handsome Labrador, Buoy. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family—whether it’s cheering on UGA during football season, getting outdoors for the boys’ sporting events, spending time at the lake wakeboarding, or fishing adventures.