We have developed a range of thin film coatings that are transparent in the visible, electrically conducting, adjustably birefringent and capable of aligning calamitic liquid crystals. The coatings were fabricated from indium tin oxide by oblique or glancing angle deposition, and a wide range of microstructures such as helices, chevrons, uniaxial posts and biaxial slabs were produced. Under many deposition conditions, these structures showed optical transmittance and electrical conductivity comparable to standard indium tin oxide, yet a strong form birefringence (Delta n > 0.07 at 589 nm) was also measured. In addition, many coatings were found to be capable of aligning liquid crystals along a common director, leading us to conclude that the technology may be useful in liquid crystal displays and other lightwave applications.