Specialist Accountants for Opticians & Optometrists
Accountants for Opticians in Downham Market
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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 businesses often mix clinical work with retail sales, which means the financial records have to handle more than one type of income. The following areas tend to cause the most questions.
- Separating income streams: professional fees and retail sales behave differently in the accounts, so tracking them separately supports clearer reporting and better decisions.
- Stock and inventory: frames, lenses and contact lenses tie up money in stock, so accurate records and regular stock checks help control margins and cash flow.
- Equipment, premises and professional expenses: optical equipment, calibration, insurance, registration fees and practice premises costs all need to be recorded correctly, as treatment can vary.
- Payroll and practice staff: employed optometrists, dispensing opticians and support staff bring payroll, pension and contractor payment obligations that must be managed on time.
- VAT on mixed supplies: professional services and optical goods such as spectacles and contact lenses can have different VAT treatments, so it matters which supplies are made and in what circumstances.
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
They handle the accounting and tax work that optical professionals and practices need, including bookkeeping, annual accounts, Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, payroll and VAT support where applicable. The exact requirements depend on how the business is structured, how income is earned and what the practice supplies.
Support is available for independent opticians, optometrists, dispensing opticians, self-employed optical professionals, practice owners and limited companies. Because these roles and business models differ, the help is tailored to how you earn income and how your business is set up.
Yes. Self-employed optometrists and locums often need Self Assessment, clear records of professional fees and travel, and sensible treatment of expenses such as equipment, insurance and registration costs. The appropriate approach depends on your individual circumstances and how you provide your services.
It varies. A practice selling spectacles and contact lenses may need bookkeeping, annual accounts, Corporation Tax, payroll and management accounts, while a sole practitioner may mainly need Self Assessment and record-keeping. The right mix depends on the structure, income streams and whether VAT applies.
Stock such as frames, lenses and contact lenses should be tracked consistently so that purchases, sales and remaining inventory are reflected accurately. Expenses like equipment, premises costs and staff wages need supporting records, as how they are treated can depend on the nature of the cost and your circumstances.
Often, yes, but it depends on turnover and the supplies being made. Professional optical services and the sale of optical goods such as spectacles and contact lenses can be treated differently for VAT, so the position depends on the nature of each supply and the circumstances of the business.
Yes. Payroll support can cover employed optometrists, dispensing opticians, reception and retail staff, including PAYE, pension duties and payslips. Where practices use self-employed associates or contractors, the correct treatment of those payments should be reviewed as circumstances differ.
Yes. Moving across usually involves sharing details of your current setup and records so the handover can be handled smoothly. Accountants for Opticians can then pick up your bookkeeping, accounts, payroll and tax work in line with your optical business requirements.