MEET OUR VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

Holly Hamilton

Holly Hamilton

DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVO

Veterinary Degree (DVM): University of Wisconsin
Master of Science: Veterinary Ophthalmology, Auburn University
Internship: Washington State University
Residency: Ophthalmology, Auburn University
Board Certification: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Dr. Hamilton and her partners purchased Animal Eye Care from Dr. Friedman in 2014. Her kind and gentle approach to care has helped her earn a wonderful reputation within the industry. Dr. Hamilton has published several articles and book chapters in both small animal and equine ophthalmology. She shares her home with her husband, two sons, a Miniature Poodle, and a Terrier Mix.


Dr. Kyshia T Davis

Kyshia T. Davis

DVM, Diplomate ACVO

Veterinary Degree (DVM): Colorado State University
Internship: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Michigan State University
Internship: Comparative Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University
Residency: Comparative Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University
Board Certification: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Dr. Davis has a special interest in avian and exotic animal ophthalmology as well as tear film, corneal and retinal diseases. In her spare time, Dr. Davis enjoys traveling and spending time with her human and pet family, which includes two Pomeranians and a parrot.


Dr. Thomas Chen

Thomas Chen

DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVO

Veterinary Degree (DVM): University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Internship: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Colorado State University
Internship: Comparative Ophthalmology, Colorado State University
Residency: Comparative Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University
Master of Clinical Science: Colorado State University
Board Certification: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Dr. Chen is interested in all aspects of clinical ophthalmology but particularly enjoys treatment of cataract and corneal disease. Most of all, he enjoys educating and working with clients to find the best solutions for their pet’s eye issues. In his free time, Dr. Chen likes hanging out with his one-eyed cat, Gerald.


Allison Claymaet

Allison Cleymaet  

DVM, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVO

Veterinary Degree (DVM): University of California, Davis
Internship: Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery, Purdue University
PhD/Residency: Comparative Ophthalmology With a Focus in Retinal Neuroscience and Opioid Signaling, Colorado State University
Board Certification: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Dr. Allison Cleymaet is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology, going on to obtain her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. She then completed a rotating internship in small animal emergency medicine and surgery at Purdue University, followed by a one-year internship in New York, where she specialized in veterinary ophthalmology. Additionally, Dr. Cleymaet participated in a specialized internship and combined comparative ophthalmology residency program and Ph.D. with a focus on retinal neuroscience and opioid signaling, all at Colorado State University. Trading in the Colorado slopes for some California sunshine, Dr. Cleymaet came home to the Bay Area to join our Animal Eye Care family. Her two brown tabby cats, Matcha and Mochi, were former shelter patients before they found their forever family together.


Patty Smith

Patty Smith   Adjunct Ophthalmologist

DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVO

Veterinary Degree (DVM): University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical School
Master of Science: Comparative Ophthalmology, University of Florida
Internship: North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine
PhD/Residency: Comparative Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
Board Certification: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Dr. Smith joined Animal Eye Care in 1997. She has extensive experience in small and large animal ophthalmology and has a strong interest in the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal detachments. She is one of the pioneers in surgical treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. In her free time, Dr. Smith enjoys running, biking, camping, boating, and hiking with her husband and dogs, Terra and Holly.


Debra Friedman

Deborah Friedman   Retired

DVM, Diplomate ACVO

Veterinary Degree (DVM): New York State College of Veterinary Medicine – Cornell
Internship: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Animal Medical Center, New York City
Residency: Comparative Ophthalmology, University of Wisconsin
Board Certification: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Dr. Friedman opened Animal Eye Care in 1990 in Milwaukee, then relocated to theBay Area in 1994 and opened AEC in Fremont. In 2010, she purchased Dr. Duane Flemming’s practice in Pleasant Hill, providing a second location for AEC patients. She sold the practice to Dr. Holly Hamilton and partners in 2014. Outside of work, Dr. Friedman enjoys reading, writing poetry, hiking, genealogy, and spending time with her family and Shepherd-mix, Zeus.