Specsavers has decided not to pass Ireland's 2 per cent increase in VAT to its customers.
In December, VAT increased to 23 per cent in the Republic of Ireland, where Specsavers has 39 stores and 850 staff.
However, the multiple joins a number of supermarket retailers in the country vowing to absorb the hike.
Specsavers Ireland chairman Noel Meehan said: 'Given the severity of the economic situation, I doubt whether the government's decision to increase VAT by 2 per cent will come as any great surprise.
'However, we remain firmly committed to Specsavers' founding pledge, which is to provide fashionable, affordable eye care for everyone. We shall therefore not be passing that increase on to our customers, so Specsavers prices will remain unaffected by this budget.'