Specialist Accountants for Opticians & Optometrists
Accountants for Opticians in Hailsham
4.9/5.0
Google Reviews
⭐ What Clients Say About Us
See what doctors, dentists, and care providers say about working with us.
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
Accounting for an optical practice is rarely as straightforward as recording a few sales. Professional income, goods, stock, equipment and staff costs all interact, and the treatment of each can vary depending on the circumstances of the business.
- Multiple income streams: A practice may combine NHS and private work, locum sessions, contact lens plans and retail sales, which need separating clearly.
- Optical goods and stock: Spectacles, lenses and contact lenses tie up money in stock, so accurate records matter for what is held and sold.
- Equipment and professional expenses: Optical equipment, testing room fittings, premises costs and professional indemnity cover need to be recorded correctly as business expenses.
- Payroll and staff payments: Optometrists, dispensing opticians, optical assistants and locum cover can be paid in different ways, each with its own payroll treatment.
- VAT on mixed supplies: VAT treatment can differ between professional optical services and goods sold, so it depends on the nature of each supply.
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 aim is to keep records accurate, deadlines met and the financial position of the practice clear.
They can support self-employed optometrists and dispensing opticians, independent opticians, practice owners, partnerships and limited companies, along with other optical businesses. The appropriate support depends on how each professional or practice is structured, how income is earned and what goods or services are supplied.
Yes. Self-employed optometrists, locums and dispensing opticians often need help with record keeping, expenses and Self Assessment, including understanding which costs relate to their professional work and which do not. Requirements vary depending on how many engagements they take on, how they are paid and whether other income is involved.
Most practices need bookkeeping, payroll and annual accounts at a minimum. Limited companies also need Corporation Tax and statutory filing, while VAT support may be relevant where supplies are mixed. Management accounts and tax planning can be useful for owners who want clearer insight into stock, margins and practice performance.
Yes. Bookkeeping can be kept in order for both professional income and sales of optical goods, and Self Assessment returns can be prepared for sole traders and partners. The exact records needed depend on individual circumstances, so it is worth discussing how income and expenses are currently tracked.
Stock such as frames, lenses and contact lenses should be recorded so purchases, sales and remaining inventory can be reconciled. Equipment, premises costs and professional expenses should be supported by proper records. The approach should suit the practice's circumstances and remain consistent from one accounting period to the next.
Possibly. VAT registration depends on turnover and the nature of supplies. Professional optical services and optical goods can have different VAT treatments, and the position depends on what is supplied and the circumstances of the business. Advice should be based on the specific mix of services and products involved.
Yes. Moving accountants is generally straightforward, and the process usually involves sharing details of your current records and requirements so support can continue without disruption. It is worth checking any existing arrangements before making the change.