Fixed-fee accounting and tax support for independent opticians and optical practices in Leicester and across the UK, covering VAT apportionment, NHS sight test income and staff payroll.
Running an optical practice means balancing NHS General Ophthalmic Services income, private fees and dispensing sales, each with a different VAT treatment. We work with independent opticians and optical practices across the UK, getting your mixed-supply VAT position right and keeping your accounts accurate.
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We prepare your annual accounts and tax return, whether you trade as a sole trader, partnership or limited company, bringing together your NHS and private income into one accurate set of figures.
NHS sight test fees are paid on a fixed-fee basis and need to be reconciled against your practice management system and bank records. We keep this under control throughout the year.
Whether you are buying into a practice, setting up on your own, or considering a limited company, we advise on the right structure and handle the registrations involved.
Eye examinations are generally VAT-exempt as medical care, while dispensing spectacles and contact lenses is typically standard-rated, so many practices need to apportion income between the two. We help you get this split right.
If you employ dispensing opticians, reception or clinical support staff, we run your payroll so PAYE and National Insurance are calculated and reported correctly and on time.
We keep your records up to date, reconciling NHS payments, private fees and dispensing income so your accounts are always accurate.
Optical practices have a distinctive VAT position because a single fee often covers both an exempt clinical service and taxable goods. Here is what matters most.
An eye examination is generally exempt from VAT as a health service, while dispensing spectacles or contact lenses is a supply of goods and is standard-rated. Where a practice charges a single combined fee, HMRC requires this to be fairly apportioned between the exempt and taxable elements, using a reasonable method based on VAT Notice 700 or an agreed Full Cost Apportionment approach. Getting this apportionment wrong is one of the most common VAT errors in optical practices, so we review it carefully.
NHS sight test fees and private examination fees are treated the same way for VAT, since both are exempt health services, but they should be recorded separately in your accounts to give a clear picture of your NHS versus private income mix.
Sight testing equipment and other clinical instruments generally qualify for capital allowances, giving tax relief as soon as you invest in new equipment for your practice.
Dispensing opticians, reception and clinical support staff must be paid through PAYE, with tax, National Insurance and, where eligible, pension contributions calculated and reported to HMRC each pay period. We run this for you so your team is paid correctly and on time.
Many optometrists start as sole traders or in partnership. As a practice grows, or if you plan to open further branches, a limited company can become more tax-efficient. We model the numbers so you can decide with confidence.
We offer fixed-fee packages whether you run your practice as a sole trader, partnership or through your own limited company. Each package covers the core compliance work below, with optional extras you can add as needed.
If you would like to discuss our fees for the services you require, please get in touch.
Get in TouchStraightforward answers to the questions we’re asked most.
Yes, generally. Eye examinations are exempt from VAT as medical care, but dispensing spectacles and contact lenses is a taxable supply, so where you charge a combined fee it usually needs to be apportioned between the two using an agreed method. We help you set this up correctly and handle your VAT returns under Making Tax Digital.
NHS sight test fees are paid on a fixed-fee basis and need to be reconciled against your practice management system and bank records like any other income stream. We build this into your bookkeeping so nothing is missed.
This depends on how the practice is structured and your long-term plans. We talk through the tax and practical implications of each option before you commit to a purchase or partnership agreement.
Sight testing equipment and other clinical instruments generally qualify for capital allowances, giving tax relief as soon as you invest. We make sure this is captured correctly in your accounts.
Yes. We run payroll for dispensing opticians, reception and clinical support staff, calculating PAYE, National Insurance and pension contributions and reporting to HMRC each pay period.
No. While most clients prefer cloud software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or FreeAgent, we understand not everyone wants to work in the cloud. If you'd rather not use cloud software for your bookkeeping, we also support off-cloud software such as VT Transaction+.
Tell us about your circumstances and we’ll come back to you with clear next steps, typically the same working day. Our support is available in person, by phone, email or a virtual video meeting, whichever suits you best.