Specialist Accountants for Opticians & Optometrists
Accountants for Opticians in Sidmouth
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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 combine clinical services with retail, which can make the numbers more involved than they first appear. Stock, equipment, multiple income streams and differing tax rules all need to be tracked carefully throughout the year.
- Mixed income streams: Professional eye care fees, spectacles, contact lenses and other optical goods each need recording separately so profitability can be reviewed accurately.
- Stock and inventory: Frames, lenses and contact lenses tie up capital, so reliable stock records and valuations matter for margins and year-end accounts.
- VAT on mixed supplies: Professional optical services and the supply of optical goods can be treated differently, so VAT depends on the nature of each supply.
- Equipment and practice costs: Testing equipment, fitting tools, premises costs and staff wages need tracking and correct treatment for tax and record keeping.
- Structure and tax obligations: Whether you trade as a sole trader, partnership or limited company affects Self Assessment, Corporation Tax and payroll responsibilities.
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 day-to-day financial side of an optical business, from bookkeeping and payroll to annual accounts, Self Assessment, Corporation Tax and VAT support where it applies. They also help with stock records, expenses and business structure, so the figures reflect how your practice actually trades.
Support is available for independent opticians, optometrists, dispensing opticians, self-employed optical professionals, practice owners and limited companies. Because each works differently, accounting and tax requirements are reviewed individually rather than applying one fixed approach to everyone.
Yes. Self-employed optometrists, locums and dispensing opticians often need help with Self Assessment, record keeping and expense claims, particularly where income comes from several sources. What can be claimed depends on your circumstances and how you work, so it is worth reviewing your position before filing.
It varies. Many practices need bookkeeping, payroll, annual accounts and tax returns, while others also require management accounts, tax planning or VAT support. The right mix depends on your structure, your income streams and whether you supply optical goods alongside professional services.
Yes. Bookkeeping keeps your income, stock, equipment and practice costs organised through the year, which makes Self Assessment far less stressful. Whether you file as a sole trader, a partner or a company director, the records need to match how your optical business earns its income.
Possibly. VAT treatment depends on the nature of each supply, and optical businesses often have a mix of professional services and goods such as spectacles, contact lenses and accessories. Different supplies can be treated differently, so it is important to review your specific circumstances rather than assume a blanket rule.
Yes. Payroll support covers employees such as dispensing opticians, optical assistants and reception staff, including PAYE, National Insurance and pension duties. Payments to locums and other contractors can raise different questions, so it helps to have those arrangements reviewed alongside your payroll.
Switching accountants is usually straightforward, and we can work with your existing records to make the transition as smooth as possible. It helps to time the move around your year end where practical, and we will confirm exactly what information is needed.