Explaining the difference between preseptal and orbital cellulitis — OSCE

Candidate instructions (8-minute station)

You are the paediatric registrar in the emergency department. A 3-year-old child has a one-day history of left eyelid swelling and redness after an insect bite. The child is afebrile and well, the eye is white and quiet, eye movements are full and painless, and the vision is normal. The parent is anxious and wants to know whether the eye is infected, whether the child needs to go to hospital, and what to watch for. ^[3]

Your tasks are: ^[3]

1. Explain the diagnosis of preseptal cellulitis in plain language and reassure the parent that the eye itself is safe. ^[3]
2. Explain why the child does not need a scan or admission, and outline the oral antibiotic treatment and review plan. ^[3]
3. Give a clear, specific safety-net for the signs that would mean the infection has crossed into the orbit and needs an urgent return. ^[1]
4. Explain the importance of completing the course and keeping the area clean. ^[9]

You are not expected to prescribe intravenous antibiotics or to arrange imaging for this child, because the examination confirms there are no orbital signs. ^[9]