An astigmatism compensation optical assembly includes a first liquid crystal layer disposed between opposing substrates. The astigmatism compensation optical assembly also includes a first electrode pattern disposed on at least one substrate. The first electrode pattern includes a set of parallel conductors each having a length proportional to the longest dimension of the clear aperture of the liquid crystal lens, and the parallel conductors are configured to generate a voltage distribution within the liquid crystal layer that results in the liquid crystal layer exhibiting cylindrical focal power.