Cheapest Place to buy glasses.

AmandaMcHunter

I buy mine in Spectacles Direct (london).

C_Mababejive

tidus wrote: »

There is no VAT on sight tests, contact lens fitting and aftercare or any other professional service provided by an Optician. Spectacles and contact lenses are liable to VAT, but spectacle sales are often structured so that the price includes an element of professional service (I.E measuring up) to reduce the amount of VAT payable by the customer.

Sanitary products are another story - pretty sure there's some problem with EU law meaning they are already at the lowest rate? Its only 5% anyway - I know its the principle of the thing but there are bigger fish to fry surely?

Have a look at items that are zero rated for VAT.

Perhaps HMRC have their priorities wrong..?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rates-of-vat-on-different-goods-and-services

FBaby

Definitely ASDA. You can get a pair under £50 and unlike Specsavers which then build additional costs, with ASDA you get everything for that price. They often do free eye tests, but if not, go to Tesco and then take your prescription to Asda.

Saying that, it is not clear from what post whether you are short or long sighted. If long sighted and you only need them to read, then you can indeed go and buy a cheap pair at the Poundshop, and wait a bit longer until you have more money to get a better fitted pair of glasses if required.

tidus

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Have a look at items that are zero rated for VAT.

Perhaps HMRC have their priorities wrong..?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rates-of-vat-on-different-goods-and-services

What's your point?

C_Mababejive

tidus wrote: »

What's your point?

My point is that it is far more important to support people in accessing the basic human need to have good eyesight than it is to subsidise people in frivolous pursuits such as gambling, trading in antiques and renting somewhere to park your car..

tidus

Fair enough. Here's a good article that explains the history, and also why it currently can't be changed - everything is stuck at the rates which applied when we joined the EU, and government isn't allowed to reduce rates or add additional VAT items.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34649495