A sterile barrier is provided for use with a slit lamp. The slit lamp has a proximal handle and a distal light slit transmitting window. The sterile barrier comprises a flexible tubular membrane having a first end, a second end, and an opening therebetween. The opening may be larger adjacent the first end than a handle of the slit lamp. A resilient band is attached to the first end of the tubular membrane. The first end and resilient band in a resiliently expanded configuration are sufficiently large to receive the handle proximally therethrough. The resilient band in the relaxed configuration will releasably restrain the sterile barrier from moving proximally off the handle.