COLUMBUS — A bill eliminating the sales tax on prescription eyewear is on its way to the Ohio Senate after winning overwhelming approval in the House of Representatives Wednesday.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township), makes eyeglasses, frames and contacts exempt from Ohio’s sales and use tax, which Merrin says would save taxpayers an estimated $29 million a year.
“It’s a big win to reduce Ohio’s tax burden and make prescription eyewear more affordable for Ohioans,” Merrin said.
Merrin says poor vision can lead to academic struggles that can have life-long consequences.
Prescription eyewear is the only prescribed medical product sold in traditional retail stores that is taxed in Ohio, he said. The only other exceptions are dental prostheses, the sale of medical oxygen-dispensing equipment, and hospital beds unless purchased by a hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility, he said.
Merrin says only 14 states impose a tax on prescription eyewear. Pennsylvania, Indiana and West Virginia have all eliminated the tax and he says that puts Ohio retailers at a significant disadvantage.