Specialist Accountants for Opticians & Optometrists
Accountants for Opticians in Burnley
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The Optical Professionals and Practices We Support
Independent Opticians
GOS income reconciliation, VAT apportionment between exempt sight tests and taxable dispensing, stock control and owner profit extraction.
Locum Optometrists
Self-assessment, IR35 status on agency work, GOC and professional fees, mileage between practices and equipment claims.
Optometry Clinics & Multiples
Management accounts per branch, partial exemption calculations, payroll for optical assistants and funding for new sites.
Private & Specialist Eye Care
Ophthalmology and refractive surgery providers: company accounts, VAT on cosmetic versus medical treatment and capital allowances on equipment.
Our Accounting Services for Optical Practices
Optical Tax Planning
Incorporation reviews, capital allowances on OCT scanners and consulting room fit-out, and profit extraction planning for practice owners.
Payroll & Pensions for Optical Staff
Payroll for optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical assistants, plus auto-enrolment, statutory pay and locum payments.
Bookkeeping for Optical Practices
Cloud bookkeeping that reconciles GOS payments, private fees and retail till takings so your figures are accurate all year.
VAT Apportionment for Opticians
Sight tests are exempt while frames and lenses are taxable, so a mixed supply needs apportioning. We use an HMRC-acceptable method and defend it if queried.
Management Accounts & Reporting
Reports showing tests per day, dispensing conversion, margin per branch and profit trends, so decisions are based on real numbers.
Key Accounting Challenges for Optical Businesses
Optical practices do not simply sell time. They combine clinical services with retail sales, hold stock, invest in equipment and often employ a team, which means the accounting picture can quickly become more layered than it first appears.
- Mixed Income Streams: Professional examination fees, eyewear sales and contact lens plans may need recording separately depending on how they are charged and reported.
- Stock and Inventory: Frames, lenses and contact lens supplies must be tracked accurately, including what is held, sold, returned or written off.
- Equipment and Practice Costs: Testing equipment, dispensing tools, premises costs such as rent and utilities, and professional expenses all need the correct accounting treatment.
- Payroll and Contractor Payments: Employed optometrists, dispensing opticians, reception and support staff, plus locum or associate arrangements, create varying payroll and record-keeping demands.
- VAT on Mixed Supplies: Professional services and optical goods can carry different VAT treatments, depending on the nature of each supply and the circumstances of the business.
Why Specialist Accounting Support Matters for Optical Businesses
Real Optical Expertise
GOS income, voucher values, partial exemption and dispensing margin — no explaining required.
Built Around Your Practice
Independents, multiples and locum optometrists each get a different service, not a template.
VAT Apportionment Done Right
We use a defensible apportionment method and keep the workings ready in case HMRC asks.
Fixed, Transparent Fees
One agreed monthly fee with no hourly billing and no surprises at year end.
Clear Margin Reporting
Management accounts that show where the profit actually comes from, test by test and branch by branch.
Named Accountant, Real Answers
You deal with the same qualified person every time, by phone or email, not a call centre.
Our Simple 3-Step Process for Optical Businesses
1. Initial Consultation (It’s Free):
We begin by getting to know your practice and understanding your unique needs. This step ensures we have a clear picture of your operations and your goals.
2. Customised Plan:
Based on our initial discussion, we create a personalised plan designed specifically for you. The aim is to keep everything organised and easy to follow. You can rest assured that your numbers are being handled with expert precision.
3. Ongoing Support & Updates:
From there, we take care of the ongoing work and keep you updated with reports. You’ll always know what’s happening, and we’re always here to answer your questions, ensuring you have a clear picture of your financial health at all times.
Accounting Support Built for Optical Practices
Technology Driven
Using the latest technology to offer customised financial strategies that help healthcare practices grow and thrive.
Named Optical Accountant
A dedicated accountant for opticians who understands GOS income, stock and dispensing margin.
Ongoing Support
Our team is here whenever you need guidance. We offer unlimited support to ensure your financial management is always on point.
Experienced Team
Our team has over 100 years of combined accountancy experience.
Free - Email Reminders
Never Miss any deadline with our automated email reminders.
Yes, We Are Chartered!
We’re an ICAEW, ACCA & AAT accredited Firm.
How to Join/Switch
Take a back seat and let our expert accountants handle everything. Here’s how easy it is to get started with us:
Get in touch
Reach out to us, and we’ll discuss your needs and how we can help your healthcare practice thrive.
Letter of Engagement
We’ll send over a simple letter to formalise our partnership and get everything in motion.
Previous Accountants
If you're switching, we’ll take care of contacting your previous accountants to make the transition smooth.
We Do the Rest
From there, sit back and relax. We’ll manage your accounts, taxes, and everything in between, keeping your practice running smoothly.
FAQs
Accountants for Opticians handle the accounting and tax work behind an optical business. That typically includes bookkeeping, annual accounts, Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, payroll and VAT support where relevant, along with practical advice on stock, expenses and business structure. The exact mix depends on how you trade and what you need.
We work with independent opticians, optometrists, dispensing opticians, self-employed optical professionals, practice owners, partnerships and limited companies. Each has a different role and business model, so the accounting focus shifts accordingly — from a locum optometrist's Self Assessment to a practice with staff, stock and several income streams.
Yes. Self-employed optometrists, locum opticians and dispensing opticians often need help with record keeping, expenses, Self Assessment and cash flow, particularly when income comes from several practices or contracts. If your circumstances change, we can also look at whether a different structure might suit you better.
That depends on the practice. Common requirements include bookkeeping, payroll for staff, annual accounts, Corporation Tax, management accounts and VAT support. Practices selling spectacles and contact lenses while also providing professional services often need careful handling of stock, purchases and the different types of supply made.
Yes. We can keep your records in order throughout the year and prepare your Self Assessment return, making sure income from professional fees, eyewear sales and any other sources is accounted for correctly. What can be claimed depends on your circumstances and the nature of each expense.
They are usually treated as trading stock or product sales, so purchases, stock levels and cost of sales need accurate recording alongside your professional fee income. How they appear in your accounts affects your reported profit, which is why separating product income from service income is often helpful.
Possibly. VAT treatment depends on the nature of each supply and your circumstances. Professional optical services and the supply of optical goods such as spectacles and contact lenses can be treated differently, and registration thresholds may apply. It is worth reviewing your specific mix before assuming a position.
Yes. Changing accountant is usually more straightforward than expected. We can review your existing records, confirm what information is needed and coordinate the handover, so your bookkeeping, accounts and tax filings continue without unnecessary disruption.