Light deflection apparatus for selectively deflecting a beam of light from a source to any one of a plurality of discrete positions on a target is provided. Operative under electro-optic control, the apparatus is of the external reflecting type. A light beam propagated as a set of extraordinary rays never enters the light deflecting birefringent element but is reflected on incidence at it. Astigmatic aberrations in the possible output beams are avoided, pathlength compensation between the two possible output beams of a deflecting stage is achieved, and a diffraction limited spot of light is provided as the output beam.