an ophthalmic illuminator is disclosed , one embodiment comprising : an illumination source , wherein the illumination source produces an arc ; a lens , such as a condensing lens , for focusing light produced by the illumination source arc ; and an optical fiber for carrying the focused light to a surgical site , such as an eye . the illumination source is positioned offset from a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber to compensate for shifting of the illumination source arc over time . the offset position can be such that the illumination source is positioned in a vertically offset position from the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber . the longitudinal axis corresponds to the optical path axis of the optical fiber . the ophthalmic illuminator can further comprise a reflector for reflecting the light produced by the illumination source arc , wherein the reflector is positioned offset from the illumination source to decrease the rate of erosion of an illumination source cathode .