We have analysed 64,417 patient-attendances by 56,409 patients to a dedicated ophthalmic new patient service to assess the demographic and epidemiological parameters of this population. Forty-three point five per cent were male and 56.5% female. Nine per cent of patients were under 16 years of age while 27.5% were over 70 years. Comparison of patients attending an outreach new patient clinic with that at the main hospital showed that a higher proportion of patients under 16 years were seen at the outreach clinic (p < 0.001), whereas the main clinic saw a higher proportion of patients in the 16-69 year age group (p < 0.001).