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GREEN BAY, Wis.—Shopko Optical has added to its professional staff in several Midwest markets, according to recent announcements. Most recently, the optical retailer noted that Melinda Kennel, OD, has joined its team of optometrists in Nebraska. She will see patients in or near the Norfolk, Neb., area and has specialties in contact lens fitting, primary care, pediatric vision and vision therapy. “Dr. Kennel has a lifelong passion for eye care, and we are thrilled to have her join our exceptional staff of optometrists,” Shopko Optical chief executive officer Russ Steinhorst said in the announcement.

“She is excited to work with patients in providing optimal vision care for them and their entire family.”
Born and raised in Merna, Neb., Dr. Kennel graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

In addition, Shopko Optical (which operates more than 80 optical locations in the upper Midwest region) said Steven McCarty, OD, has joined its team and will serve patients around the Green Bay areas of Suamico, Ashwaubenon and De Pere.

“We are thrilled to add another fantastic provider to our growing list of Shopko Optical optometrists,” Steinhorst said. “Dr. McCarty is looking forward to meeting the community members seeking eyecare and helping them see more clearly on a daily basis.”

Born and raised in Crystal Lake, Ill., Dr. McCarty graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago and has a passion for primary eyecare.

Shopko Optical also announced that Lauren Cejka, OD, joined its ECP team and will be available to see patients in both the Stevens Point and Plover, Wis., optical centers. “Dr. Cejka is an exceptional optometrist with a desire to provide personal and interactive care,” Steinhorst noted. “Her goal is to know each and every patient—not only to better understand their visual needs, but to truly connect with them.”

Born and raised in Wausau, Wis., Dr. Cejka completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. She has a passion for pediatrics, contact lenses and emergency care. In her free time, Dr. Cejka provides vision screenings at the local Special Olympics and is an active member of the Wisconsin Optometric Association. She is also a member of the Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team.

Shopko Optical is the trade name of Shoptikal LLC, an affiliate of Monarch Alternative Capital, a private equity firm that acquired the Shopko Optical business out of bankruptcy court in mid-2019.