an optometric instrument includes an alignment device that includes light sources for sending out light beams through one or more light channels from the instrument onto the retina of an eye of a patient . the light channels are directed parallel with the visual axis of the eye at correct alignment , whereat the light beams are visible for the patient in an intended way . a method for aligning an optometric instrument includes sending out light beams from the light sources through one or more light channels onto the retina of the eye of a patient , and positioning the instrument to have the light channels parallel with the visual axis of the eye of the patient as a result of finding a position , wherein the light can be correctly viewed by the patient .