Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring corneal curvature through mechanical measurement of longitudinal probe positioning in contacting the surface of the subject's cornea at predetermined radial and angular positions relative to the central apex of the eye. Electrical sensing of the cornea surface by contact with a conductive probe is employed to generate an audible signal with accurate encoder means for registration of probe axial position. Both manually actuated and automatic embodiments are disclosed each involving apparatus mounted on a solid base including a head rest for the patient and an objective for eye fixation during the examination.