Paying VAT on glasses? :(

[Lord-Jaffa]

So I just ordered some glasses online since i have a new perscription and was a bit miffed to see the VAT was almost a tenner for them.

Why on earth is VAT added to things like glasses? If you don't have to pay it on food, why should it be paid on other essentials like glasses and contact lenses? :/

Just a bit of a rant really after a rubbish week at work

 

[Lord-Jaffa]

Was it just on the frames? Was it at only 5%? Can't remember the right rate for glasses - assume they count as... medicine? Will check my legislation when I get home, assuming someone doesn't beat me to it.

From the receipt its 15% vat!

Shouldn't be paying any VAT at all on essentials like these, its ridiculous :/