A new A-mode biometry system for determining axial length measurements of the eye has been developed that incorporates a soft-membrane transducer. The soft transducer decreases the risk of indenting the cornea with the probe resulting in inaccurate measurements. A microprocessor evaluates echo patterns and determines whether or not axial alignment has been obtained, eliminating possible user error. The new A-scan requires minimal user skill and can be used successfully by both physician and technician.