A century in business.

Our business started in 1923 as an optician, with a jewellers and watchmakers, trading as Hudson’s. It was bought in 1956 by William Wilkie, who operated as an optician and rented space to a watchmaker/ jeweller called Bill Ferguson. When Bill wanted to leave in 1968, we employed one of his watchmakers, Gordon Rider, and Jean Wilkie ran the jewellery department. Our jewellery offering is still available in Alexandria and Dumbarton (and online on this website).

Willis

  • "Working in the family business has been tremendously rewarding. Having the ability to step into a business which has been providing care to the community in West Dunbartonshire for almost seventy years is an incredible honour.I provide care over both practices and also once a week carry out domiciliary eye tests in the community. This is a great service to be able to provide thanks to the NHS optometry contract. Allowing individuals who are unable to leave the house the chance of better sight and proper eye care. "

  • "Recently I’ve passed my independent prescribing qualification, which allows me to be able to manage and treat more advanced eye conditions within the practice. Meaning that less patients need to be referred to the over burdened hospital eye service.  Within the West Dunbartonshire HSCP (health and social care partnership) I work as the lead optometrist. This means I am a liaison for the community optometrists in the region and primary care. Linking with other health professionals to try and improve the service and care provided to the community."

Nicola

  • After qualifying with a degree in Optometry from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2000, I moved to Dumfries to begin my pre-reg year. When I gained my professional qualification the year later I moved back to Glasgow and worked in a few different high street practices. I then spent 12 years working at GCU Eye Clinic where I supervised the undergraduates through the practical elements of their degree, and I started to specialise in Visual Stress. I have been part of the Wilkie and Rider team for over 3 years now, and have been able to continue with this area of work by offering a Visual stress clinic in our Dumbarton practice.

  • This is the area of my job that I enjoy the most. To be able to make reading and school life easier for children with educational difficulties, or to be able to allow adults who have had difficulty reading all of their life, the joy of finally reading for pleasure, reallymakes me smile. When I am not at work I love to walk and travel with my family. I have two football daft boys who also keep me busy!