In a prospective observational study, the sensitivity and specificity of an epiphora score, in predicting a patent sac washout following dacryocystorhinostomy are determined. Patients were examined in a joint otolaryngology/ophthalmology clinic for lacrimal syringing and nasal endoscopy. They completed a 0-10 visual analogue score to grade post operative symptoms. We conclude that due to the high specificity and low sensitivity of the score it is not a good predictor of patency following surgery and therefore no substitute for examining the patient.