Purpose: This study aimed to alert ophthalmologists as to their role i
n the diagnosis of rabies. Methods: A 13-year-old girl was admitted wi
th acute encephalitis of unknown etiology. Bacterial and viral culture
s and test results for Lyme disease and tuberculosis were negative. In
itial cerebrospinal fluid, serum, skin, and saliva specimens were nega
tive for rabies. A corneal impression test was performed. Results: Imm
unofluorescent antibody staining of the epithelial cells on the cornea
l impression test was positive for rabies. Subsequently, the diagnosis
was confirmed by serum serologic analysis and saliva testing. Conclus
ion: Ophthalmologists can assist in the diagnosis of rabies by using t
he corneal impression test. Corneal smears should be part of the routi
ne antemortem work-up for presumptive rabies.