Specialist Accountants for Opticians & Optometrists
Accountants for Opticians in Borehamwood
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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 combine clinical work, retail sales and multiple income streams, which can make day-to-day accounting more involved. These are some of the areas where optical professionals and practices commonly need careful record keeping and clear tax treatment.
- Mixed income streams: NHS work, private eye tests and product sales often sit together, so income needs separating clearly in the records.
- Stock and inventory: Frames, lenses and contact lenses tie up cash, and inconsistent stock records can distort margins and annual accounts.
- Equipment and professional expenses: Testing instruments, optical equipment and clinical expenses need the right treatment, with capital and revenue items distinguished.
- Staff and contractor payments: Dispensing opticians, optical assistants and locum optometrists can create a mix of payroll, pension and contractor obligations.
- VAT on mixed supplies: Professional services and optical goods can be treated differently for VAT, so the nature of each supply matters.
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 behind an optical business, including bookkeeping, annual accounts, Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, payroll and VAT support where applicable. Because optical practices often combine professional services with the sale of spectacles, contact lenses and other goods, the work also involves accurate recording of mixed income and stock.
Support can be tailored to independent opticians, optometrists, dispensing opticians, self-employed locums, practice owners, partnerships and limited companies. The right approach depends on how you earn income, how the business is structured and whether you also sell optical goods, so requirements are reviewed on an individual basis.
Yes. Self-employed optometrists and locum opticians often need help with Self Assessment, record keeping and expense claims, while those running a practice may also need annual accounts, payroll and VAT support. What applies to you depends on your income sources and circumstances.
It varies. Many practices need bookkeeping, payroll, annual accounts and tax administration, while others also require Corporation Tax support, management accounts, stock records and VAT guidance. Because every practice is different, the appropriate mix is agreed after reviewing your structure, income streams and day-to-day operations.
Stock such as frames, lenses and contact lenses should be recorded consistently so margins and closing stock are accurate. Equipment, premises costs and professional expenses should be captured with the right documentation. How items are treated depends on whether they are revenue or capital in nature and on your business circumstances.
They can. VAT treatment depends on the nature of each supply and the circumstances of the business. Professional eye care services and the supply of spectacles, contact lenses and other optical goods may be treated differently, so it is worth reviewing registration and how your income is categorised rather than assuming a single rule applies.
Yes, switching is usually straightforward. The process typically involves confirming your details, reviewing your current records and arranging the handover of information. Timelines can vary depending on how your records are kept and the time of year, so it helps to raise this before your next filing deadline.