The present invention provides improved methods and systems for laser beampositioning, shape profile, size profile, drift, and/or deflection calibrationusing an image capture device, such as a microscope camera, for enhancedcalibration accuracy and precision. The methods and systems are particularlysuited for iris calibration and hysteresis measurement of a variable diameteraperture. One method for calibrating laser pulses from a laser eye surgerysystem using an image capture device comprises imaging a known object with animage capture device. A pulsed laser beam is directed onto a calibrationsurface so as to leave a mark on the calibration surface. The mark on thecalibration surface is then imaged with the image capture device. The lasereye surgery system is calibrated by comparing the image of the mark on thecalibration surface to the image of the known object.
