A light coupling assembly (10) that couples a light source (200) to a light conducting system (100) attached to a medical instrument (300) so that light from the light source (200) is transmitted to a surgical site. The light coupling assembly (10) according to the present invention includes a member formed of a heat conducting material that receives and transfers heat from the light source (200) to a light source housing (210). The light coupling assembly (20) and prevents an attendant from being injured by the heat generated by the light source (200) and carried by the heat conducting member (20).