An instrument for use in aligning an intraocular lens (IOL) comprises a marker ring rotatably held in a yoke attached to an instrument handle. The ring has an upper surface and a lower surface, and an inner surface and an outer surface. In one version, four marking tabs are attached to the ring outer surface, with each tab spaced apart 90° from its immediate neighbors. Each marking tab has a tab extension that extends below the lower ring surface. The ring also has a pair of axis marking tabs attached to the ring inner surface, with one marking tab positioned diametrically opposite the other. Each axis marking tab has a tab extension that extends above the ring upper surface. Each of the marking tab extensions are coated with a suitable coloring agent and are brought into contact with the cornea, preferably with one marking tab positioned at the limbus, to form reference marks on the cornea. The ring is then rotated in the yoke to bring the axis mounting tabs into position to be brought into contact with the cornea. A keratometer is placed on the cornea and the axis mounting tabs are aligned with markings on the keratometer corresponding to a previously-identified steep axis of the comes. When the axis mounting tabs touch the cornea a pair of axis alignment marks are made which are used as a reference line when the IOL is inserted, allowing the IOL to be properly oriented within the capsular bag.
