Third Street Optical rebrands as Shopko Optical Bemidji

Shopko Optical has acquired Bemidji’s Third Street Optical as of yesterday.

According to a release, Dr. James Terry Hess will continue to provide comprehensive eye care to his patients.

Shopko Optical has owned eye clinics in communities across the country for 40 years.

“We are very excited to be part of the Bemidji community,” said Russ Steinhorst, Shopko Optical CEO.

“Shopko Optical has built its history by providing patient-centric eye care, 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 and Third Street Optical owner David Smith are said to be “looking forward to an association with Bemidji’s local Lions Clubs 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.”

The business, on Third Street, of course, will be rebranded as Shopko Optical Bemidji.


Larissa Donovan is the News Director for the stations of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting and has been, almost without interruption, since Election Day 2016. She covers all the beats in north-central Minnesota, such as local government, crime, education, environment and social issues. She studied communications at Bemidji State University. You can follow along with Larissa's live tweets of meetings and events on Twitter!


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