WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last week, the Internal Revenue Service issued its final rule providing guidance on the excise tax being imposed on the sale of certain medical devices as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The ruling confirms that eyeglasses are not a taxable item under this excise tax.

Taking a proactive stance against this excise tax, The Vision Council lobbied for the exemption of this tax and was ultimately successful. “The Vision Council is reviewing the final rule in greater detail to gauge the complete impact on the vision community and will provide more complete guidance on the tax for members in the coming days,” according to a statement from the organization. Questions regarding the excise tax on certain medical devices can be sent to Jason McElvaney, The Vision Council’s government and regulatory affairs liaison, at jason@mcelvaneypublicaffairs.com.