Abstract: A support for an ophthalmic refracting instrument includes a vertical support column preferably comprised of a pair of closely spaced upright members. A rigid horizontal support member has one end secured to the top of the vertical support column. The free end of the support member extends to the vicinity above and in front of the patient's chair. The support member includes an elongated horizontally extending bar therein. The refracting instrument is mounted on a bar carried by a slide assembly. The slide assembly includes a pair of bearing blocks which surround the elongated shaft so that the entire slide assembly along with the refracting instrument can be slid between an inoperative position where it is adjacent the vertical support column and an operative position where the refracting instrument is in front of the patient. Magnets act as stop mechanisms and hold the slide assembly in each of its two extreme positions.