Abstract: A cathode ray tube employing magnetic deflection coils for deflecting the electron beam in the horizontal and vertical directions, is corrected for the astigmatism error created by the non-uniform magnetic deflection field which causes a predictable elliptical distortion of the electron beam, through the use of two sets of correction coils mounted on a common annular magnetic core located on the neck of the CRT, which distorts the electron beam prior to its entry into the magnetic deflection field in a manner that is complementary to the distortion created by the non-uniform magnetic deflection field. The excitation currents for the correction coils are derived from the horizontal (Vx) and vertical (Vy) beam deflection voltage signals, in such a manner that the excitation current for the first correction coil is proportional to Vx.sup.2 - Vy.sup.2, and the excitation for the second correction coil is proportional to 2.sup.. Vx.sup.. Vy.