The task of the orbit correction is to find the kick vector &THgr; for a given measured orbit vectorX&drarr;. We are presenting a method, in which the kick vector is expressed as linear combination of the eigenvectors. An additional advantage of this method is that it yields the smallest possible kick vector to correct the orbit. We will illustrate the application of the method to the NSLS X‐ray and UV storage rings and the resulting measurements. It will be evident, that the accuracy of this method allows the combination of the global orbit correction and local optimization of the orbit for beam lines and insertion devices.The eigenvector decomposition can also be used for optimizing kick vectors, taking advantage of the fact that eigenvectors with corresponding small eigenvalues generate negligible orbit changes. Thus, one can reduce a kick vector calculated by any other correction method and still stay within the tolerance for orbit correction.The response matrixAis defined by the equationX&drarr;=A&THgr;&drarr;, where &THgr;&drarr; is the kick vector andX&drarr; is the resulting orbit vector. SinceAis not necessarily a symmetric or even a square matrix we symmetrize it by usingAT A. Then we find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of thisAT Amatrix. The physical interpretation of the eigenvectors for circular machines is discussed. © 1994 American Institute of Physics