Some medical services which were exempt are
now liable at the standard rate of VAT of 17.5%, and this includes certain
testing services performed by Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians. For
example:
"..medicals
undertaken for DVLA purposes to ensure initial or continued fitness to
drive which are liable to VAT at the standard rate..."
(from VAT Notice 701/57 Health Professionals January 2007)
The immediate impact of this is the possibility that
non-registered opticians will break through the VAT threshold if they
undertake this type of work, and that those who are already registered now
have to charge and issue a proper VAT invoice for these services.
Having fought long and hard to exempt dispensing fees, you
may see this as a stealthy way of the Revenue clawing back on what they
lost. It all depends on the purpose of the test as to whether VAT must
be charged.
Obviously these changes impact on many health
professionals, not only Opticians in practice, however to discuss your
concerns please call for a FREE no-obligation discussion -
08700 460 765