GREEN BAY, Wis.—Shopko Optical said Thursday that it has completed the acquisition of Third Street Optical in Bemidji, Minn. Shopko Optical Bemidji officially opened Thursday, March 31, with Dr. James Terry Hess continuing to provide comprehensive eyecare services to his patients in the Bemidji community, according to the company’s announcement. Shopko Optical operates approximately 125 optical center locations across 12 states, primarily in the Midwest and Far West. The company has made five eyecare acquisitions since December, including a transaction with InnoVision Eyecare that it announced earlier this week, as VMAIL reported.
 
“We are very excited to be part of the Bemidji community,” Russ Steinhorst, Shopko Optical’s chief executive officer, said. “Shopko Optical has built its history by providing patient-centric eyecare, high-quality eyewear and outstanding customer service through its team of dedicated optometrists and opticians. Dr. Hess is a great addition to our team, and we are happy to be able to support his continued practice with an enhanced selection of eyewear and expanded hours to accommodate our patients.”
 
Dr. Hess graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry and has years of experience serving the Bemidji community. He and Third Street Optical owner David Smith share Shopko Optical’s community values and are looking forward to an association with Bemidji’s local Lions Club to identify eligible children within the area to receive a comprehensive eye exam and pair of glasses through its Kids in Focus program. 
 
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Dr. Hess and David Smith and extend our brand in Northern Minnesota,” added Steinhorst. “We’re committed to ensuring our new Shopko Optical Bemidji patients receive the same thorough and trusted care they have come to expect.”
 
Shopko Optical accepts most major vision plans, including EyeMed, UHC Vision, Davis Vision, Superior Vision and Avesis, among others. Shopko Optical is also an open-access provider for VSP.