IRIDEX CORPORATION SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

Exhibit 10.9

IRIDEX CORPORATION

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

     This Separation Agreement and Release (“Agreement”) is made by and between ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (“Employee”) and IRIDEX Corporation (the “Company”) (collectively referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).

     WHEREAS, Employee was employed by the Company;

     WHEREAS, Employee signed an At-Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement with the Company on July 5, 2005 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, the Company and Employee have entered into (i) a stock option agreement (the “Stock Option Agreement”) dated July 5, 2005 issued pursuant to the Company’s 1998 Stock Plan, pursuant to which Employee was granted the option to purchase up to 65,896 shares of the Company’s Common Stock subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 1998 Stock Plan and the Stock Option Agreement, (ii) the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Inducement Grant Stock Option Agreement dated July 5, 2005, pursuant to which Employee was granted the option to purchase up to 234,104 shares of the Company’s Common Stock granting Employee the option to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Inducement Option” and, collectively with the Stock Option Agreement, the “Stock Agreements”), and (iii) a Change of Control and Severance Agreement dated July 5, 2005 (the “Change of Control and Severance Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, Employee resigned all positions as an officer, director and employee with the Company effective as of October 16, 2007 (the “Termination Date”); and

     WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that the Employee may have against the Company and any of the Releasees (as defined below), including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Employee’s employment with or separation from the Company.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:

     1. Consideration.

          a. Amendments to Stock Agreements. The Company and Employee hereby agree that the Stock Agreements shall be amended as described below, effective as of the Effective Date (as defined below):

               i. Extension of Exercise Period. The provision titled “Termination Period” in each of the Stock Option Agreement and the Inducement Option Agreement is hereby amended to provide that the option governed by each such agreement may be exercised for a period of 18 months following the Termination Date, rather than 90 days following termination.

               ii. Definition of Service Provider. The definition of “Service Provider” contained in the Inducement Option Agreement and as used in the Stock Option Agreement (by

reference to the Company’s 1998 Stock Plan, which shall not be effected by this Agreement) is hereby amended to read as follows: “ “Service Provider” means an Employee or Director.”

               iii. Vested Options. The Parties agree that for purposes of determining the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that Employee is entitled to purchase from the Company, pursuant to the exercise of outstanding options, Employee will be considered to have vested up to and through November 5, 2007. Employee acknowledges that as of the November 5, 2007, Employee will have vested in 175,002 options and no more.

          b. Consulting Agreement. The Company and Employee hereby agree to enter into a consulting agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Consulting Agreement”), pursuant to which Employee will provide the consulting services described therein for a period of three (3) months in exchange for the Company’s payment of a monthly consulting fee equal to $20,000, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consulting Agreement.

          c. COBRA Payments. If Employee properly elects continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan pursuant to Sections 601 through 607 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company will pay the full COBRA premium on behalf of Employee and his enrolled family members for the period beginning on the Effective Date, and ending on the earlier of (a) the three (3) month anniversary of the Effective Date, (b) the termination of the Consulting Agreement, (c) the date Employee first becomes eligible for coverage under any group health plan maintained by another employer of Employee or his spouse, or (d) the date such COBRA continuation coverage otherwise terminates as to Employee under the provisions of the Company’s group health plan. Nothing herein shall be deemed to extend the otherwise applicable maximum period in which COBRA continuation coverage is provided or supersede the plan provisions relating to early termination of such COBRA continuation coverage.

          d. Personal Computer. Employee may retain his current personal computer environment that was provided to him by the Company for his use during his employment with the Company; provided, however, that Employee shall return the personal computer to the Company on or before the termination of the Consulting Agreement, so that the Company may remove any confidential or proprietary information belonging to the Company and any computer programs that are licensed to the Company. Employee covenants and agrees that he will not make or retain copies of any such information. To ensure that all of its confidential and proprietary information and/or computer programs have been removed from the Employee’s personal computer, the Company may, at its sole option, exchange the hard drive contained in the laptop computer for a new hard drive provided that the new hard drive has at least the same processing speed, memory capacity, and other similar characteristics.

     2. Benefits. Employee’s health insurance benefits shall cease on the last day of October 2007, subject to Employee’s right to continue his/her health insurance under COBRA. Employee’s participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceased as of the Termination Date; provided, however, that pursuant to Section 1.a.iii. above, Employee will be considered to have vested in the shares covered by the Stock Agreements up to and through November 5, 2007.

     3. Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits. Employee acknowledges and represents that (a) other than the consideration set forth in this Agreement, the Company has paid or provided all

salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses for which reimbursement documentation has been submitted to the Company, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Employee and (b) Employee is not entitled to and will not receive any benefits pursuant to the Change of Control and Severance Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties hereby agree that in the event that Employee has any validly reimbursable expenses outstanding as of the date hereof for which reimbursement documentation has not previously been submitted to the Company, Employee shall submit such reimbursement documentation as soon as reasonably practicable following the date hereof and the Company shall reimburse such amounts pursuant to its standard expense reimbursement policies.

     4. Release of Claims. Employee agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Employee by the Company and its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, insurers, divisions, and subsidiaries, and predecessor and successor corporations and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”). Employee, on his own behalf and on behalf of his respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to ▇▇▇ concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Employee may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement, including, without limitation:

          a. any and all claims relating to or arising from Employee’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;

          b. any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Employee’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;

          c. any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; harassment; retaliation; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; fraud; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; conversion; and disability benefits;

          d. any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Equal Pay Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act, except as prohibited by law; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act, except as prohibited by law; the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇ Act of 2002; the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; the California Family Rights Act; the

California Labor Code, except as prohibited by law; the California Workers’ Compensation Act, except as prohibited by law; and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act;

          e. any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;

          f. any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;

          g. any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the non-withholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Employee as a result of this Agreement; and

          h. any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.

Employee agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. This release does not extend to any obligations incurred under this Agreement. This release does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law, including, but not limited to: (1) Employee’s right to file a charge with or participate in a charge by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, against the Company (with the understanding that any such filing or participation does not give Employee the right to recover any monetary damages against the Company; Employee’s release of claims herein bars Employee from recovering such monetary relief from the Company); (2) claims under Division 3, Article 2 of the California Labor Code (which includes California Labor Code section 2802 regarding indemnity for necessary expenditures or losses by employee); and (3) claims prohibited from release as set forth in California Labor Code section 206.5 (specifically “any claim or right on account of wages due, or to become due, or made as an advance on wages to be earned, unless payment of such wages has been made”).

     5. Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Employee acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”), and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Employee agrees that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release is in addition to anything of value to which Employee was already entitled. Employee further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing that: (a) he should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) he has twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (c) he has seven (7) days following his execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement; (d) this Agreement shall not be effective until after the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Employee from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties, or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. In the event Employee signs this Agreement and returns it to the Company in less than the 21-day period identified above, Employee hereby acknowledges that he has freely and voluntarily chosen to waive the time period allotted for considering this Agreement.

     6. California Civil Code Section 1542. Employee acknowledges that he has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR
SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH
IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH
THE DEBTOR.

     Employee, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights he/she may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

     7. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Employee represents that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees. Employee also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.

     8. Application for Employment. Employee understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, Employee shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, and Employee hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company. Employee further agrees not to apply for employment with the Company.

     9. Confidentiality. Employee agrees to maintain in complete confidence the existence of this Agreement, the contents and terms of this Agreement, and the consideration for this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Separation Information”). Except as required by law, Employee may disclose Separation Information only to his immediate family members, the court in any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Agreement, Employee’s undersigned counsel, and Employee’s accountant and any professional tax advisor to the extent that they need to know the Separation Information in order to provide advice on tax treatment or to prepare tax returns, and must prevent disclosure of any Separation Information to all other third parties. Employee agrees that he will not publicize, directly or indirectly, any Separation Information.

     10. Trade Secrets and Confidential Information/Company Property. Employee reaffirms and agrees to observe and abide by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, specifically including the provisions therein regarding non-disclosure of the Company’s trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information, and non-solicitation of Company employees. Employee’s signature below constitutes his certification under penalty of perjury that he has returned all documents and other items provided to Employee by the Company, developed or obtained by Employee in connection with his employment with the Company, or otherwise belonging to the Company.

     11. No Cooperation. Employee agrees not to act in any manner that might damage the business of the Company. Employee further agrees that he will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so or as related directly to the ADEA waiver in this Agreement. Employee agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court

order, and to furnish, as soon as practicable and, in any case, within three (3) business days of its actual receipt by Employee or his obtaining knowledge thereof, a copy of such subpoena or other court order. If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Employee shall state no more than that he/she cannot provide counsel or assistance.

     12. Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of any of the Releasees, and agrees to refrain from any tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of any of the Releasees. Employee shall direct any inquiries by potential future employers to the Company’s human resources department, which shall use its best efforts to provide only the Employee’s last position and dates of employment. Company agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of Employee, and agrees to refrain from any tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of Employee.

     13. Breach. Employee acknowledges and agrees that any material breach of this Agreement, unless such breach constitutes a legal action by Employee challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, or of any provision of the Confidentiality Agreement shall entitle the Company immediately to recover and/or cease providing the consideration provided to Employee under this Agreement, except as provided by law. Except as provided by law, Employee shall also be responsible to the Company for all costs, attorneys’ fees, and any and all damages incurred by the Company in (a) enforcing Employee’s obligations under this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement, including the bringing of any action to recover the consideration, and (b) defending against a claim or suit brought or pursued by Employee in violation of the terms of this Agreement.

     14. No Admission of Liability. Employee understands and acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Employee. No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Employee or to any third party.

     15. Non-Solicitation. Employee agrees that for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the Effective Date of this Agreement, Employee shall not directly or indirectly solicit any of the Company’s employees to leave their employment at the Company. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “solicit” shall be deemed not to include advertisements or other generalized employment searches, including advertisements in various media (including trade media) or any job posting system, not specifically directed to employees of the Company and shall not include any action by Employee following any response by any person to such advertisements or generalized searches or any communication initiated by such person and not by Employee.

     16. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys’ fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement.

     17. ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, AND ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION IN SANTA ▇▇▇▇▇ COUNTY, BEFORE JAMS, PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES

& PROCEDURES (“JAMS RULES”). THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL APPLY SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL CALIFORNIA LAW TO ANY DISPUTE OR CLAIM, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY CONFLICT-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF ANY JURISDICTION. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE JAMS RULES CONFLICT WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, CALIFORNIA LAW SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD. THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION SHALL EACH PAY AN EQUAL SHARE OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SUCH ARBITRATION, AND EACH PARTY SHALL SEPARATELY PAY FOR ITS RESPECTIVE COUNSEL FEES AND EXPENSES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS PARAGRAPH CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN.

     18. Tax Consequences. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payments and any other consideration provided to Employee or made on his/her behalf under the terms of this Agreement. Employee agrees and understands that he is responsible for payment, if any, of local, state, and/or federal taxes on the payments and any other consideration provided hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon. Employee further agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, interest, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of (a) Employee’s failure to pay or the Company’s failure to withhold, or Employee’s delayed payment of, federal or state taxes, or (b) damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including attorneys’ fees and costs.

     19. Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Employee represents and warrants that he has the capacity to act on his own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through him to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.

     20. No Representations. Employee represents that he has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Employee has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

     21. Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.

     22. Attorneys’ Fees. Except with regard to a legal action challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of the waiver herein under the ADEA, in the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, arbitration, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action.

     23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Confidentiality Agreement, the Consulting Agreement and the Stock Agreements, as amended by this Agreement, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Employee concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Employee’s employment with and separation from the Company and the events leading thereto and associated therewith, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Employee’s relationship with the Company, including the Change of Control and Severance Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Employee hereby acknowledges and agrees that he is not entitled to and shall not receive any benefits pursuant to the Change of Control and Severance Agreement.

     24. No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Employee and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

     25. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard for choice-of-law provisions. Employee consents to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of California.

     26. Effective Date. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Employee signed this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by the Parties and has not been revoked by either Party before that date (the “Effective Date”).

     27. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by facsimile, and each counterpart and facsimile shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

     28. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. Employee understands and agrees that he/she executed this Agreement voluntarily, without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of his/her claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees. Employee acknowledges that:

	(a)		he has read this Agreement;
	(b)		he has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of his/her own choice or has elected not to retain legal counsel;
	(c)		he understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains; and
	(d)		he is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.

     29. Stock Agreements Remaining in Full Force and Effect. Except as specifically provided by this Agreement, the Stock Agreements shall remain in full force and effect, unamended by this Agreement.

     30. Further Assurances. The Parties agree to execute any and all documents, consents and instruments and to take all actions and to do all things necessary or appropriate to effectuate the purposes and intents of this Agreement, and, in furtherance and not limitation thereof, Employee hereby agrees to execute and deliver to the Company all such documentation as the Company determines to be necessary and appropriate, in its sole discretion, for Employee to effect his resignation from each position as a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and for Employee to transfer to the Company, without further consideration, any shares of the capital stock of any of the Company’s subsidiaries.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.

Exhibit A

Consulting Agreement

IRIDEX CORPORATION

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Consulting Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of October 17, 2007 by and between Iridex Corporation (the “Company”) and ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (“Consultant”). The Company desires to retain Consultant as an independent contractor to perform consulting services for the Company, and Consultant is willing to perform such services, on the terms described below. In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

     1. Services and Compensation. Consultant agrees to perform for the Company the services described in Exhibit A (the “Services”), and the Company agrees to pay Consultant the compensation described in Exhibit A for Consultant’s performance of the Services.

     2. Confidentiality.

          A. Definition. “Confidential Information” means any non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business or research and development of the Company, technical data, trade secrets or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, product plans or other information regarding Company’s products or services and markets therefor, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on whom Consultant called or with whom Consultant became acquainted during the term of this Agreement), software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawing, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances or other business information. Confidential Information does not include information that (i) is known to Consultant at the time of disclosure to Consultant by the Company as evidenced by written records of Consultant, (ii) has become publicly known and made generally available through no wrongful act of Consultant or (iii) has been rightfully received by Consultant from a third party who is authorized to make such disclosure.

          B. Nonuse and Nondisclosure. Consultant will not, during or subsequent to the term of this Agreement, (i) use the Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever other than the performance of the Services on behalf of the Company or (ii) disclose the Confidential Information to any third party. Consultant agrees that all Confidential Information will remain the sole property of the Company. Consultant also agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of such Confidential Information. Without the Company’s prior written approval, Consultant will not directly or indirectly disclose to anyone the existence of this Agreement or the fact that Consultant has this arrangement with the Company.

          C. Former Client Confidential Information. Consultant agrees that Consultant will not, during the term of this Agreement, improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former or current employer of Consultant or other person or entity with which Consultant has an agreement or duty to keep in confidence information acquired by Consultant, if any. Consultant also agrees that Consultant will not bring onto the Company’s premises any unpublished document or proprietary information belonging to any such employer, person or entity unless consented to in writing by such employer, person or entity.

          D. Third Party Confidential Information. Consultant recognizes that the Company has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. Consultant agrees that, during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, Consultant owes the Company and such third parties a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation or to use it except as necessary in carrying out the Services for the Company consistent with the Company’s agreement with such third party.

          E. Return of Materials. Upon the termination of this Agreement, or upon Company’s earlier request, Consultant will deliver to the Company all of the Company’s property, including but not limited to all electronically stored information and passwords to access such property, or Confidential Information that Consultant may have in Consultant’s possession or control.

     3. Ownership.

          A. Assignment. Consultant agrees that all copyrightable material, notes, records, drawings, designs, inventions, improvements, developments, discoveries and trade secrets conceived, discovered, developed or reduced to practice by Consultant, solely or in collaboration with others, during the term of this Agreement that relate in any manner to the business of the Company that Consultant may be directed to undertake, investigate or experiment with or that Consultant may become associated with in work, investigation or experimentation in the Company’s line of business in performing the Services under this Agreement (collectively, “Inventions”), are the sole property of the Company. Consultant also agrees to assign (or cause to be assigned) and hereby assigns fully to the Company all Inventions and any copyrights, patents, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating to all Inventions.

          B. Further Assurances. Consultant agrees to assist Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every proper way to secure the Company’s rights in Inventions and any copyrights, patents, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating to all Inventions in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect to all Inventions, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments and all other instruments that the Company may deem necessary in order to apply for and obtain such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company, its successors, assigns and nominees the sole and exclusive right, title and interest in and to all Inventions, and any copyrights, patents, mask work rights or other intellectual property rights relating to all Inventions. Consultant also agrees that Consultant’s obligation to execute or cause to be executed any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of this Agreement.

          C. Pre-Existing Materials. Subject to Section 3.A, Consultant agrees that if, in the course of performing the Services, Consultant incorporates into any Invention developed under this Agreement any pre-existing invention, improvement, development, concept, discovery or other proprietary information owned by Consultant or in which Consultant has an interest, (i) Consultant will inform Company, in writing before incorporating such invention, improvement, development, concept, discovery or other proprietary information into any Invention, and (ii) the Company is hereby granted a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such item as part of or in connection with such Invention. Consultant will not incorporate any

invention, improvement, development, concept, discovery or other proprietary information owned by any third party into any Invention without Company’s prior written permission.

          D. Attorney-in-Fact. Consultant agrees that, if the Company is unable because of Consultant’s unavailability, dissolution, mental or physical incapacity, or for any other reason, to secure Consultant’s signature for the purpose of applying for or pursuing any application for any United States or foreign patents or mask work or copyright registrations covering the Inventions assigned to the Company in Section 3.A, then Consultant hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Consultant’s agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and on Consultant’s behalf to execute and file any such applications and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of patents, copyright and mask work registrations with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Consultant.

     4. Conflicting Obligations.

          A. Conflicts. Consultant certifies that Consultant has no outstanding agreement or obligation that is in conflict with any of the provisions of this Agreement or that would preclude Consultant from complying with the provisions of this Agreement. Consultant will not enter into any such conflicting agreement during the term of this Agreement. Consultant’s violation of this Section 4.A will be considered a material breach under Section 6.B.

          B. Substantially Similar Designs. In view of Consultant’s access to the Company’s trade secrets and proprietary know-how, Consultant agrees that Consultant will not, without Company’s prior written approval, design identical or substantially similar designs as those developed under this Agreement for any third party during the term of this Agreement and for a period of 12 months after the termination of this Agreement. Consultant acknowledges that the obligations in this Section 4 are ancillary to Consultant’s nondisclosure obligations under Section 2.

     5. Reports. Consultant also agrees that Consultant will, from time to time during the term of this Agreement or any extension thereof, keep the Company advised as to Consultant’s progress in performing the Services under this Agreement. Consultant further agrees that Consultant will, as requested by the Company, prepare written reports with respect to such progress. The Company and Consultant agree that the time required to prepare such written reports will be considered time devoted to the performance of the Services.

     6. Term and Termination.

          A. Term. The term of this Agreement will begin on the date of this Agreement and will continue until the earlier of (i) final completion of the Services or (ii) termination as provided in Section 6.B.

          B. Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving the other party written notice of such termination pursuant to Section 11.E of this Agreement; provided, however, that in the event that the Company terminates this Agreement, other than as a result of Consultant being unable to perform the Services or Consultant being in breach of any material provision of this Agreement, and such termination occurs after the Effective Date (as such term is defined in that certain Separation Agreement and Release entered into by and between the Company and Consultant as of even date herewith), then the Company shall pay Consultant a lump sum payment equal to $60,000 less any amounts previously paid hereunder.

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that (i) the Company terminates this Agreement because Consultant refuses or is unable to perform the Services or is in breach of any material provision of this Agreement, or (ii) Consultant terminates this Agreement, then the Company shall only be required to pay Consultant an amount equal to the remainder of (X) the amount determined by multiplying the number of days that have elapsed since the date of this Agreement until the date of such termination by $666.70, the daily rate for the Services, less (Y) any amounts previously paid hereunder.

          C. Survival. Upon such termination, all rights and duties of the Company and Consultant toward each other shall cease except:

               (1) The Company will pay, within 15 days after the effective date of termination, all amounts owing to Consultant for Services completed and accepted by the Company prior to the termination date and related expenses, if any, submitted in accordance with the Company’s policies and in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of this Agreement; and

               (2) Section 2 (Confidentiality), Section 3 (Ownership), Section 4 (Conflicting Obligations), Section 7 (Independent Contractor; Benefits), Section 8 (Indemnification), Section 9 (Nonsolicitation) and Section 10 (Arbitration and Equitable Relief) will survive termination of this Agreement.

     7. Independent Contractor; Benefits.

          A. Independent Contractor. It is the express intention of the Company and Consultant that Consultant perform the Services as an independent contractor to the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be construed to constitute Consultant as an agent, employee or representative of the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Consultant is not authorized to bind the Company to any liability or obligation or to represent that Consultant has any such authority. Consultant agrees to furnish (or reimburse the Company for) all tools and materials necessary to accomplish this Agreement and shall incur all expenses associated with performance, except as expressly provided in Exhibit A. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that Consultant is obligated to report as income all compensation received by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant agrees to and acknowledges the obligation to pay all self-employment and other taxes on such income.

          B. Benefits. The Company and Consultant agree that Consultant will receive no Company-sponsored benefits from the Company. If Consultant is reclassified by a state or federal agency or court as Company’s employee, Consultant will become a reclassified employee and will receive no benefits from the Company, except those mandated by state or federal law, even if by the terms of the Company’s benefit plans or programs of the Company in effect at the time of such reclassification, Consultant would otherwise be eligible for such benefits.

          8. Indemnification. Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its directors, officers and employees from and against all taxes, losses, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and other legal expenses, arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with (i) any negligent, reckless or intentionally wrongful act of Consultant or Consultant’s assistants, employees or agents, (ii) a determination by a court or agency that the Consultant is not an independent contractor, (iii) any breach by the Consultant or Consultant’s assistants, employees or agents of any of the covenants contained in this Agreement, (iv) any failure of Consultant to perform the Services in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, or (v) any violation or

claimed violation of a third party’s rights resulting in whole or in part from the Company’s use of the work product of Consultant under this Agreement.

     9. Nonsolicitation. From the date of this Agreement until 12 months after the termination of this Agreement (the “Restricted Period”), Consultant will not, without the Company’s prior written consent, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any employee or contractor of the Company or its affiliates to terminate employment with, or cease providing services to, the Company or its affiliates. During the Restricted Period, Consultant will not, whether for Consultant’s own account or for the account of any other person, firm, corporation or other business organization, intentionally interfere with any person who is or during the period of Consultant’s engagement by the Company was a partner, supplier, customer or client of the Company or its affiliates. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “solicit” shall be deemed not to include advertisements or other generalized employment searches, including advertisements in various media (including trade media) or any job posting system, not specifically directed to employees of the Company and shall not include any action by Consultant following any response by any person to such advertisements or generalized searches or any communication initiated by such person and not by Consultant.

     10. Arbitration and Equitable Relief.

          A. Arbitration. IN CONSIDERATION OF CONSULTANT’S RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY’S PROMISE TO ARBITRATE DISPUTES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, AND THE RECEIPT OF COMPENSATION PAID TO CONSULTANT BY THE COMPANY, AT PRESENT AND IN THE FUTURE, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY AND ALL CONTROVERSIES, CLAIMS, OR DISPUTES WITH ANYONE (INCLUDING THE COMPANY AND ANY EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, SHAREHOLDER OR BENEFIT PLAN OF THE COMPANY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SUCH OR OTHERWISE), WHETHER BROUGHT ON AN INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, OR CLASS BASIS, ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO, OR RESULTING FROM CONSULTANT’S PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO BINDING ARBITRATION UNDER THE ARBITRATION RULES SET FORTH IN CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 1280 THROUGH 1294.2, INCLUDING SECTION 1283.05 (THE “RULES”) AND PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA LAW. DISPUTES WHICH CONSULTANT AGREES TO ARBITRATE, AND THEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY, INCLUDE ANY STATUTORY CLAIMS UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CLAIMS UNDER TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, THE OLDER WORKERS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT, THE ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇ ACT, THE WORKER ADJUSTMENT AND RETRAINING NOTIFICATION ACT, THE CALIFORNIA FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING ACT, THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT, THE CALIFORNIA FAMILY RIGHTS ACT, THE CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE, CLAIMS OF HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION AND WRONGFUL TERMINATION AND ANY STATUTORY CLAIMS. CONSULTANT FURTHER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE ALSO APPLIES TO ANY DISPUTES THAT THE COMPANY MAY HAVE WITH CONSULTANT.

          B. Procedure. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT ANY ARBITRATION WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (“AAA”), AND THAT

THE NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR WILL BE SELECTED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH AAA’S NATIONAL RULES FOR THE RESOLUTION OF EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR ADJUDICATION, MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND DEMURRERS, AND MOTIONS FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION, PRIOR TO ANY ARBITRATION HEARING. CONSULTANT ALSO AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AND THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW. CONSULTANT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE COMPANY WILL PAY FOR ANY ADMINISTRATIVE OR HEARING FEES CHARGED BY THE ARBITRATOR OR AAA, EXCEPT THAT CONSULTANT SHALL PAY THE FIRST $125.00 OF ANY FILING FEES ASSOCIATED WITH ANY ARBITRATION CONSULTANT INITIATES. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ADMINISTER AND CONDUCT ANY ARBITRATION IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE RULES AND THAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE AAA’S NATIONAL RULES FOR THE RESOLUTION OF EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES CONFLICT WITH THE RULES, THE RULES SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE IN WRITING.

          C. Remedy. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY THE RULES AND THIS AGREEMENT, ARBITRATION SHALL BE THE SOLE, EXCLUSIVE AND FINAL REMEDY FOR ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND CONSULTANT. ACCORDINGLY, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR BY THE RULES AND THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR CONSULTANT WILL BE PERMITTED TO PURSUE COURT ACTION REGARDING CLAIMS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION. NOTWITHSTANDING, THE ARBITRATOR WILL NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DISREGARD OR REFUSE TO ENFORCE ANY LAWFUL COMPANY POLICY, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL NOT ORDER OR REQUIRE THE COMPANY TO ADOPT A POLICY NOT OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW.

          D. Availability of Injunctive Relief. CONSULTANT AGREES THAT EITHER THE COMPANY OR CONSULTANT MAY PETITION A COURT FOR PROVISIONAL RELIEF, INCLUDING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, AS PERMITTED BY THE RULES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WHERE EITHER THE COMPANY OR CONSULTANT ALLEGES OR CLAIMS A VIOLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT BETWEEN CONSULTANT AND THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT REGARDING TRADE SECRETS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NONSOLICITATION OR LABOR CODE §2870. CONSULTANT UNDERSTANDS THAT ANY BREACH OR THREATENED BREACH OF SUCH AN AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THIS AGREEMENT) WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE INJURY AND THAT MONEY DAMAGES WILL NOT PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE REMEDY THEREFOR AND BOTH CONSULTANT AND THE COMPANY HEREBY CONSENT TO THE ISSUANCE OF AN INJUNCTION.

          E. Administrative Relief. CONSULTANT UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT PROHIBIT CONSULTANT FROM PURSUING AN ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIM WITH A LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE BODY SUCH AS THE DEPARTMENT OF FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING, THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION OR THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD. THIS

AGREEMENT DOES, HOWEVER, PRECLUDE CONSULTANT FROM PURSUING COURT ACTION REGARDING ANY SUCH CLAIM.

          F. Voluntary Nature of Agreement. CONSULTANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT CONSULTANT IS EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT ANY DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE BY THE COMPANY OR ANYONE ELSE. CONSULTANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT CONSULTANT HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT CONSULTANT HAS ASKED ANY QUESTIONS NEEDED FOR CONSULTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE TERMS, CONSEQUENCES AND BINDING EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND IT, INCLUDING THAT CONSULTANT IS WAIVING ITS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. FINALLY, CONSULTANT AGREES THAT CONSULTANT HAS BEEN PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY OF ITS CHOICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT.

     11. Miscellaneous.

          A. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of California without regard to California’s conflicts of law rules.

          B. Assignability. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Consultant may not sell, assign or delegate any rights or obligations under this Agreement.

          C. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior written and oral agreements between the parties regarding the subject matter of this Agreement.

          D. Headings. Headings are used in this Agreement for reference only and shall not be considered when interpreting this Agreement.

          E. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by this Agreement to be given to a party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by commercial messenger or courier service, or mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), to the party at the party’s address written below or at such other address as the party may have previously specified by like notice. If by mail, delivery shall be deemed effective three business days after mailing in accordance with this Section 11.E.

(1)

If to the Company, to: Iridex Corporation ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ Attention: Chief Executive Office

               (2) If to Consultant, to the address for notice on the signature page to this Agreement or, if no such address is provided, to the last address of Consultant provided by Consultant to the Company.

          F. Attorneys’ Fees. In any court action at law or equity that is brought by one of the parties to this Agreement to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, in addition to any other relief to which that party may be entitled.

          G. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions shall remain effective and enforceable to the greatest extent permitted by law.

(signature page follows)

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Consulting Agreement as of the date first written above.

CONSULTANT						IRIDEX CORPORATION
By:						By:
Name:		▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇				Name:
Title:						Title:
Address for Notice:

EXHIBIT A

Services and Compensation

     1. Contact. Consultant’s principal Company contact:

Name: ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Chief Executive Officer

     2. Services. The Services shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: Consultant shall consult with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other appropriate officers and employees of the Company, on a timely and as requested basis, in order to assist with the transition of management responsibilities resulting from ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇’▇ appointment as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company.

     3. Compensation.

          A. The Company will pay Consultant $20,000 per month for a three (3) month period, subject to the provisions of Section 6.B. of this Agreement.

          B. The Company will reimburse Consultant for all reasonable expenses incurred by Consultant in performing the Services pursuant to this Agreement, if Consultant receives written consent from an authorized agent of the Company prior to incurring such expenses and submits receipts for such expenses to the Company in accordance with Company policy. Every two weeks, Consultant shall submit to the Company a written invoice for Services and expenses, and such statement shall be subject to the approval of the contact person listed above or other designated agent of the Company.

This Exhibit A is accepted and agreed as of                     , 2007.

CONSULTANT						IRIDEX CORPORATION
By:						By:
Name:		▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇				Name:		▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title:						Title:  Chief Executive Officer