Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of uncertain aetiology that can affect almost any organ. Anterior uveitis is a feature of the condition in about 30 per cent of those affected. We describe a patient with sarcoidosis presenting with anterior uveitis and describe a diagnostic approach. Sarcoidosis is a condition that must be considered in patients presenting with symptomatic uveitis, as the underlying disease is serious and usually treatable. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is aided by an understanding of the pattern of organ involvement and may ultimately require tissue confirmation through biopsy of granulomata, including those found in the ocular adnexa.