Purtscher's retinopathy is a haemorrhagic and vaso-occlusive retinal vasculopathy, caused by microembolisation occluding retinal and choroidal arterioles. This leads to retinal haemorrhages and ischaemia. The usual cause is severe trauma. 1 However, a variety of conditions including acute pancreatitis, childbirth, long bone fracture, chest trauma and systemic inflammatory vasculitides may cause similar retinal presentations. 1-4 This highlights Purtscher's retinopathy as a clinically important differential diagnosis of visual loss. We present a case report of a 43-year-old man who was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. While in hospital he developed sudden onset unilateral loss of vision. This case highlights the need to ensure prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate multidisciplinary management.