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OUR TEAM OF EYE DOCTORS

DR. KAYLA BECHTHOLD

Dr. Bechthold has been practicng Optometry for over 25 years.  She has extensive experience treating eye disease and eye emergencies.  She enjoys seeing patients for complete eye exams, contact lens fittings, dry eye management, and solving many complex eye problems.  She fits scleral and specialty contact lenses and enjoys solving difficult eye glass issues.

Dr. Bechthold is originally from Dalton, MN, and practiced in the Duluth area for over 17 years.  She received the "Top Doc" award from the Duluth Superior Magazine in 2014.  Dr. Bechthold does educational presentations for various groups and enjoys teaching others about eyes.  

Dr. Bechthold graduated with honors from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1998.  She is a member of the MOA, AOA, and the MN Contact Lens Society.  

Dr. Bechthold enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, especially at the lake!

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DR.GARY JENSEN

Dr. Gary Jensen, originally from Hibbing, MN, has practiced optometry in Chisholm since 1975 and in Cook since 1987.  He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1975 and was the class valedictorian.

He has been an eye doctor for over 45 years with extensive experience in general optometry, treatment and management of ocular diseases, and fitting of contact lenses.  

He is a member of the Minnesota Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.  In 2001 he was named "Optometrist of the Year" in Minnesota.  

He enjoys hunting out west and all the outdoor activities that this area has to offer.  He is most happy spending time at the lake with his wife Debi, 3 daughters, son-in-laws, and 6 grandchildren.

Our Eye Clinic Team

KRISTEN Y.

Lead Optician/Optometric Tech

Kristen has been a valuable member of the Bechthold Jensen Eye Care team for over 10 years.  Kristen is an experienced optician, but also manages all aspects of the office. Her background is in dental assisting and nursing assisting.  She is very knowledgeable about new products in optical and can help you find the perfect frame and the best lenses for your lifestyle.  Kristen is a Chisholm native.  When not at the office she enjoys time with her husband and 3 sons, watching and supporting her kids in various activities, reading and decorating.

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JILL C.

Optician

Jill has been a valuable member of the Bechthold Jensen Eye Care team for over 10 years.  She is an optician, but also works at the front desk, and helps with contact lens classes.  Jill was a Chisholm resident for most of her life, just recently moving “out to the lake”.  When not at the office she enjoys entertaining, travelling, gardening, and spending time with her family.

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Allisyn B.

Optician

Allisyn has been a member of our team since October of 2022.  Allisyn moved to the  area in 2020 and has several years of experience as an Optician.  She enjoys working with people and helping them make the best choice of eyewear.  Allisyn enjoys spending time with her family and tending to her organic farm and garden.

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Margaret P.

Front Desk

Margaret has been a part of our team since February of 2023. Margaret is a Chisholm native and has over 10 years of work experience in health care.  She works as a patient care representative at the front desk, and has completed Walman Optical foundations training for Opticianary.  She enjoys spending time with her family, riding horses, and being involved in her daughter's activities. 

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JERRY JOHNSON

Optician, Owner of Cook Optical

Jerry has over 30 years of experience in optics, starting when he graduated from Eveleth Tech with his degreee in opticianry.  He enjoys the people he meets and gets to visit with each day.  Jerry is a pro at solving complex optical issues.  When Jerry's not working he enjoys hunting, fishing, and hanging out with his 3 dogs:  Lady, Baby, and Bruiser.

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(218) 254-4393

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