Fat embolism syndrome is a well-recognised sequela of long bone trauma as well as intramedullary orthopaedic procedures. However, it has rarely been described following manipulation, reduction of fracture, and application of external fixator. Furthermore, bilateral ocular blindness is seldom the first manifestation; instead respiratory and other cerebral symptoms being most common. We describe a case with this rare presentation in a patient who underwent a trial of closed reduction, then open reduction of a femur fracture, followed by external fixation performed at day 47 post-initial trauma.