IRIDEX CORP
S-8, 1998-06-24
ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS
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<PAGE>   1
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 1998
                                                Registration No. _______________

================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



                                    FORM S-8

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933




                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                  DELAWARE                           77-0210467
       (State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)          Identification Number)


                             1212 TERRA BELLA AVENUE
                         MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA 94043
   (Address, including zip code, of registrant's principal executive offices)


                                 1998 STOCK PLAN
                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                            1995 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN
                            (Full title of the plans)


                              Theodore A. Boutacoff
                      President and Chief Executive Officer
                               IRIDEX Corporation
                             1212 Terra Bella Avenue
                         Mountain View, California 94043
                                 (650) 940-4700
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)


                                    Copy to:

                             JUDITH M. O'BRIEN, ESQ.
                       WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
                            Professional Corporation
                               650 Page Mill Road
                        Palo Alto, California 94304-1050



<PAGE>   2
                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================================================

                                                                        Proposed           Proposed
                                                                         Maximum            Maximum
                                                       Amount           Offering           Aggregate          Amount of
          Title of Securities                          to be              Price             Offering        Registration
            to be Registered                        Registered(#)       Per Share            Price              Fee
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>                <C>            <C>                    <C>       
Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of            250,000          $   8.19(1)    $   2,047,500.00       $   604.01
options granted under the 1998 Stock Plan
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the              75,000          $   6.96(2)    $     522,000.00       $   153.99
1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of             60,000          $   8.19(3)    $     491,400.00       $   144.96
options under the 1995 Director Option Plan

=========================================================================================================================


</TABLE>


(1)     Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
        amended (the "Act") based on the average between the high and low price
        as reported by the Nasdaq NMS on June 23, 1998.

(2)     Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(c) solely for the purpose of
        calculating the registration fee, based on 85% of the average between
        high and low price as reported by Nasdaq NMS on June 23, 1998.

(3)     Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Act.



<PAGE>   3

                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

                                     PART II

ITEM 3.     INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.

            There are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration
Statement the following documents and information heretofore filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by IRIDEX Corporation (the
"Company" or the "Registrant"):

            (a)         The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K405 for the
                        fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 filed pursuant to
                        Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                        amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT");

            (b)         The Company's definitive proxy statement dated April 30,
                        1998, filed in connection with the Company's Annual
                        Meeting of Stockholders held June 8, 1998;

            (c)         The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                        quarter ended March 31, 1998, filed pursuant to Section
                        13 of the Exchange Act;

            (d)         The description of the Company's Common Stock contained
                        in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A
                        filed on February 15, 1996, pursuant to Section 12(b) of
                        the Exchange Act.


            All documents filed by Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof, and prior to the filing
of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered
hereunder have been sold or which de-registers all securities then remaining
unsold under this registration statement, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents.

ITEM 4.     DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.

            Not applicable.

ITEM 5.     INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.

            The validity of the issuance of shares of Common Stock offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Registrant by Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich &
Rosati, P.C. ("WSGR"), Palo Alto, California. Judith Mayer O'Brien, a member of
WSGR, is Secretary of the Registrant.



<PAGE>   4
ITEM 6.     INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

            Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporations Law authorizes a
court to award, or a corporation's Board of Directors to grant, indemnification
to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such
indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including
reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Act. The Registrant's
Bylaws provides for the mandatory indemnification of its directors and officers
and permissible indemnification of employees and other agents to the maximum
extent permitted by Delaware General Corporation Law. Registrant has entered
into an indemnification agreement with each of its officers and directors which
provide the Registrant's officers and directors with indemnification to the
maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. In addition,
the Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides
that, pursuant to Delaware law, its directors shall not be liable for monetary
damages for a breach of the directors' fiduciary duty as a director to
Registrant and its stockholders, provided that such liability does not arise
from certain proscribed conduct. Registrant also currently maintains officer and
director liability insurance.

ITEM 7.     EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.

            Not applicable.

ITEM 8.     EXHIBITS.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 Exhibit
 Number                       Description of Document
- --------    -------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>        <C>
    5.1     Opinion of Counsel as to legality of securities being registered.

   10.1     1998 Stock Plan and forms of option agreements and stock purchase agreement
            thereunder.

   10.2     1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and form of subscription agreement
            thereunder.

   10.3     1995 Director Stock Option Plan, as amended, and form of option agreement thereunder.

   23.1     Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent Accountants.

   23.2     Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

   24.1     Power of Attorney (see page 5).

</TABLE>



                                        2



<PAGE>   5
ITEM 9.     UNDERTAKINGS.

            The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

    (a)     (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include
any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement.

            (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

            (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.

    (b)     That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant
to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and,
where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

    (c)     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Certificate of
Incorporation, Bylaws, indemnification agreements or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.



                                        3



<PAGE>   6
                                   SIGNATURES

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Mountain View, State of California, on this 19th day
of June, 1998.


                                      IRIDEX CORPORATION


                                      By: /s/  THEODORE A. BOUTACOFF
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Theodore A. Boutacoff
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer



                                        4



<PAGE>   7




                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

            KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Theodore A. Boutacoff and James L.
Donovan jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact, each with the power
of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to
this Registration Statement on Form S-8 and to file the same, with exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said
attorney-in-fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Signatures                               Title                             Date
- -------------------------             ----------------------------------        ---------------

<S>                                   <C>                                       <C>
/s/ Theodore A. Boutacoff             President, Chief Executive Officer         June 19, 1998
- -------------------------             and Director (Principal Executive                 
Theodore A. Boutacoff                 Officer)

                                      
/s/ James L. Donovan                  Vice President, Corporate                  June 19, 1998
- -------------------------             Business Development                            
James L. Donovan                      

/s/ Robert Kamenski                   Chief Financial Officer (Principal         June 19, 1998
- -------------------------             Accounting Officer) and Director                
Robert Kamenski                       

/s/ John M. Nehra                     Chairman of the Board of                   June 19, 1998
- -------------------------             Directors                                       
John M. Nehra                         

/s/ William Boeger, III               Director                                   June 19, 1998
- -------------------------                                                             
William Boeger, III

/s/ Milton Chang                      Director                                   June 19, 1998
- -------------------------                                                             
Milton Chang

/s/ Donald L. Hammond                 Director                                   June 19, 1998
- -------------------------                                                             
Donald L. Hammond

/s/ Joshua Makower                    Director                                   June 19, 1998
- -------------------------
Joshua Makower

</TABLE>



                                        5



<PAGE>   8
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549


             ------------------------------------------------------

                                    EXHIBITS

             ------------------------------------------------------


                       Registration Statement on Form S-8

                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

                                  June 24, 1998



<PAGE>   9
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit                                                                                      Page
Number                                                                                        No.
- ------                                                                                        ---

<S>                                                                                          <C>

5.1         Opinion of Counsel as to legality of securities being registered.

10.1        1998 Stock Plan and forms of option agreements and restricted stock
            purchase agreement thereunder.

10.2        1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and form of subscription agreement
            thereunder.

10.3        1995 Director Option Plan and form of option agreement thereunder.

23.1        Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent Accountants.

23.2        Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).

24.1        Power of Attorney (see page 5).

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1



                                  June 22, 1998



IRIDEX Corporation
340 Pioneer Way
Mountain View, California 94041

        RE:  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8


Ladies and Gentlemen:

        We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about June 22, 1998 (the
"Registration Statement") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a total of 250,000 shares of your Common
Stock reserved for issuance under the 1998 Stock Plan; 60,000 shares of your
Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 1995 Director Stock Option Plan;
and 75,000 shares of your Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 1995
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (collectively, the "Shares") (collectively, the
"Plans"). As legal counsel for IRIDEX Corporation, we have examined the
proceedings taken and are familiar with the proceedings proposed to be taken by
you in connection with the sale and issuance of the Shares under the Plans.

        It is our opinion that, when issued and sold in the manner referred to
in the Plans and pursuant to the respective agreement which accompanies each
grant under the Plans, the Shares will be legally and validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.

        We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever it appears in the
Registration Statement and any amendments to it.

 
                                     Very truly yours,


                                      /s/ WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
                                          Professional Corporation


<PAGE>   1
                                        IRIDEX CORPORATION
                                          1998 STOCK PLAN




       1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are:

             -     to attract and retain the best available personnel for
                   positions of substantial responsibility,

             -     to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and
                   Consultants, and

             -     to promote the success of the Company's business.

       Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of
grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.

       2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

          (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall
be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

          (b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are,
or will be, granted under the Plan.

          (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board
in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

          (f) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

          (g) "Company" means IRIDEX Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

          (h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity and any
person designated as a key medical advisor by the Company.



<PAGE>   2

          (i) "Director" means a member of the Board.

          (j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

          (k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service
Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock
Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

          (l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

              (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in
The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;

              (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable; or

              (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

          (n) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as an
incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.




                                       -2-

<PAGE>   3

          (o) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

          (p) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice evidencing
certain terms and conditions of an individual Option or Stock Purchase Right
grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

          (q) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within
the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

          (r) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

          (s) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an
Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The
Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

          (t) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding
Options are surrendered in exchange for Options with a lower exercise price.

          (u) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
Stock Purchase Right.

          (v) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.

          (w) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

          (x) "Plan" means this 1998 Stock Plan.

          (y) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 of the Plan.

          (z) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written agreement
between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and restrictions
applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right. The Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant.

          (aa) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

          (bb) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.




                                       -3-

<PAGE>   4

          (cc) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

          (dd) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

          (ee) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of Grant.

          (ff) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

       3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 250,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued,
or reacquired Common Stock.

          If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable
without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option
Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued under
the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be returned to
the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan,
except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at
their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future
grant under the Plan.

       4. Administration of the Plan.

          (a) Procedure.

              (i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Plan may be administered
by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers.

              (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator
determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder as
"performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more "outside
directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

              (iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions
hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder
shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.

              (iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan
shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee shall
be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.




                                       -4-


<PAGE>   5

          (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated
by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in
its discretion:

              (i) to determine the Fair Market Value;

              (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;

              (iii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be
covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

              (iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

              (v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with
the terms of the Plan, of any Option or Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder.
Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price,
the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be exercised (which
may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of
forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option
or Stock Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in
each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall
determine;

              (vi) to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock Purchase
Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have declined
since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;

              (vii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;

              (viii)to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan;

              (ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

              (x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right
(subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to
extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is
otherwise provided for in the Plan;

              (xi) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by
electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise
of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having a Fair Market
Value equal to the amount required to be




                                       -5-

<PAGE>   6

withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined
on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All
elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made
in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary
or advisable;

              (xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company
any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
previously granted by the Administrator; and

              (xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for administering the Plan.

          (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's decisions,
determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Optionees
and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

       5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may
be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.

       6.    Limitations.

          (a) Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this
Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

          (b) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in
any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such
relationship at any time, with or without cause.

          (c) The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options:

              (i) No Service Provider shall be granted, in any fiscal year of
the Company, Options to purchase more than 150,000 Shares.

              (ii) In connection with his or her initial service, a Service
Provider may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 100,000
Shares which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i)
above.




                                       -6-

<PAGE>   7

              (iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately
in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as described in
Section 13.

              (iv) If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the
Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction
described in Section 13), the cancelled Option will be counted against the
limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above. For this purpose, if the
exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.

       7. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 19 of the Plan, the Plan shall become
effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for a term
of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 15 of the Plan.

       8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
Agreement; provided, however, that (i) in the case of an Incentive Stock Option,
the term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as
may be provided in the Option Agreement and (ii) in the case of an Incentive
Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option
is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option shall be five (5) years from
the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option
Agreement.

       9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

          (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be
issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:

              (i)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                   (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive
Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of
the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                   (B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee described
in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall be no
less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

              (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share
exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator. In the case of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.




                                       -7-

<PAGE>   8

              (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a
per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

          (b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.

          (c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such
consideration may consist entirely of:

              (i)   cash;

              (ii)  check;

              (iii) promissory note;

              (iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

              (v) consideration received by the Company under a cashless
exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

              (vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the
Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation
in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;

              (vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

              (viii)such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

       10. Exercise of Option.

           (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise,
vesting of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of
absence. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.




                                       -8-

<PAGE>   9

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

               Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of
Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under
the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

           (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an Optionee
ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's death or
Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of
time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of
a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable
for thirty (30) days following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

           (c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to
his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the
Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not
exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

           (d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider,
the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement (but in no event later




                                       -9-

<PAGE>   10

than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of
Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquires the right to
exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that the
Option is vested on the date of death. In the absence of a specified time in the
Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months
following the Optionee's termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is
not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested
portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be
exercised by the executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none,
by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or
the laws of descent or distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within
the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.

           (e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy
out for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted based on such
terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the
Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

       11. Stock Purchase Rights.

           (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator determines
that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the
offeree in writing or electronically, by means of a Notice of Grant, of the
terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of
Shares that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and
the time within which the offeree must accept such offer. The offer shall be
accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form
determined by the Administrator.

           (b) Issuance of Shares. After payment, the Shares purchased shall be
duly issued; provided, however, that the Administrator may require that the
purchaser make adequate provision for any federal and state withholding
obligations of the Company as a condition to the purchaser purchasing such
Shares.

           (c) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise,
the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase
option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the
purchaser's service with the Company for any reason (including death or
Disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined by the
Administrator.

           (d) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.




                                      -10-

<PAGE>   11

           (e) Rights as a Stockholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
stockholder, and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 13
of the Plan.

       12. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Unless
determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase Right may
not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the
Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.

       13. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
Asset Sale.

           (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock
Purchase Right.

           (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days prior to such
transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as
to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the
Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any
Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall lapse
as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes
place at the time




                                      -11-

<PAGE>   12

and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously
exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate immediately prior to
the consummation of such proposed action.

           (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be
assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event
that the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor
corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or Stock Purchase
Right, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the
Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares
as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option or
Stock Purchase Right becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption
or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator
shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock
Purchase Right shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen
(15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this
paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed if,
following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the right to
purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or
Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the
consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in
the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on
the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of
consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received
in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor
corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the
successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the
exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the
successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.

       14. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other later
date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be
provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

       15. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

           (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

           (b) Stockholder Approval. The Company shall obtain stockholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws.




                                      -12-

<PAGE>   13

           (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise
the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Options granted under the
Plan prior to the date of such termination.

       16. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

           (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option
or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall
comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

           (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an
Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person exercising
such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

       17. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect
of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority
shall not have been obtained.

       18. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

       19. Stockholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the
degree required under Applicable Laws.











                                      -13-

<PAGE>   14

                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


       Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.  NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

[Optionee's Name and Address]

       You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:

       Grant Number                         _________________________

       Date of Grant                        _________________________

       Vesting Commencement Date            _________________________

       Exercise Price per Share             $________________________

       Total Number of Shares Granted       _________________________

       Total Exercise Price                 $________________________

       Type of Option:                      ___    Incentive Stock Option

                                            ___    Nonstatutory Stock Option

       Term/Expiration Date:                _________________________


     Vesting Schedule:

       This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule:

       1/8th the Shares subject to the Option shall vest six months after the
Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the Option shall
vest each month thereafter, subject to the Optionee continuing to be a Service
Provider on such dates.




<PAGE>   15

       Termination Period:

       This Option may be exercised for [three months] after Optionee ceases to
be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option
may be exercised for one year after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider. In
no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as
provided above.

II.  AGREEMENT

       1. Grant of Option. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of
Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set
forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to
Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and
conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement,
the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

             If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under
Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive
Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section
422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

       2. Exercise of Option.

          (a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in
accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

          (b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an
exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be completed
by the Optionee and delivered to the Secretary of the Company. The Exercise
Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all
Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by
the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate
Exercise Price.

          No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered
transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to
such Exercised Shares.




                                       -2-

<PAGE>   16

       3. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by
any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

          (a) cash; or

          (b) check; or

          (c) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or

          (d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares acquired
upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
(6) months on the date of surrender, AND (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the
date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares;
or

          (e) with the Administrator's consent, delivery of Optionee's
promissory note (the "Note") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, in the
amount of the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares together with the
execution and delivery by the Optionee of the Security Agreement attached hereto
as Exhibit B. The Note shall bear interest at the "applicable federal rate"
prescribed under the Code and its regulations at time of purchase, and shall be
secured by a pledge of the Shares purchased by the Note pursuant to the Security
Agreement.

       4. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms
of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

       5. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

       6. Tax Consequences. Some of the federal tax consequences relating to
this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR
DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

          (a) Exercising the Option.

              (i) Nonstatutory Stock Option. The Optionee may incur regular
federal income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO. The Optionee will be
treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax
rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If




                                       -3-

<PAGE>   17



the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required
to withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the
applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this
compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the
exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not
delivered at the time of exercise.

              (ii) Incentive Stock Option. If this Option qualifies as an ISO,
the Optionee will have no regular federal income tax liability upon its
exercise, although the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price will be
treated as an adjustment to alternative minimum taxable income for federal tax
purposes and may subject the Optionee to alternative minimum tax in the year of
exercise. In the event that the Optionee ceases to be an Employee but remains a
Service Provider, any Incentive Stock Option of the Optionee that remains
unexercised shall cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option and will be
treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3)
months and one (1) day following such change of status.

          (b) Disposition of Shares.

              (i) NSO. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one year,
any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term
capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

              (ii) ISO. If the Optionee holds ISO Shares for at least one year
after exercise and two years after the grant date, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
income tax purposes. If the Optionee disposes of ISO Shares within one year
after exercise or two years after the grant date, any gain realized on such
disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income
rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the lesser of (A) the difference
between the Fair Market Value of the Shares acquired on the date of exercise and
the aggregate Exercise Price, or (B) the difference between the sale price of
such Shares and the aggregate Exercise Price. Any additional gain will be taxed
as capital gain, short-term or long-term depending on the period that the ISO
Shares were held.

          (c) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Optionee
sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to an ISO on
or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one year
after the exercise date, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in
writing of such disposition. The Optionee agrees that he or she may be subject
to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized
from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out of the
current earnings paid to the Optionee.

       7. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the




                                       -4-

<PAGE>   18

Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be
modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing
signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal
substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.

       8. NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED
ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT
THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES
HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO
NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A
SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL
NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE
OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.

       By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.



OPTIONEE:                              IRIDEX CORPORATION



- ---------------------------------        ---------------------------------------
Signature                                By


- ---------------------------------        --------------------------------------
Print Name                               Title


- ---------------------------------
Residence Address


- ---------------------------------





                                       -5-

<PAGE>   19

                                CONSENT OF SPOUSE


       The undersigned spouse of Optionee has read and hereby approves the terms
and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In consideration of the
Company's granting his or her spouse the right to purchase Shares as set forth
in the Plan and this Option Agreement, the undersigned hereby agrees to be
irrevocably bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement and further agrees that any community property interest shall be
similarly bound. The undersigned hereby appoints the undersigned's spouse as
attorney-in-fact for the undersigned with respect to any amendment or exercise
of rights under the Plan or this Option Agreement.



                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Spouse of Optionee























                                       -6-

<PAGE>   20

                                    EXHIBIT A

                       IRIDEX CORPORATION 1998 STOCK PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE


IRIDEX Corporation
1212 Terra Bella
Mountain View, CA  94043

Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

       1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, 199__,
the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares
(the "Shares") of the Common Stock of IRIDEX Corporation (the "Company") under
and pursuant to the 1998 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock Option Agreement
dated           , 19___ (the "Option Agreement"). The purchase price for the 
Shares shall be $        , as required by the Option Agreement.

       2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
full purchase price for the Shares.

       3. Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees
to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

       4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or
any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.
No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 13 of the
Plan.

       5. Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

       6. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing



<PAGE>   21

signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is governed by the internal
substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California.


Submitted by:                              Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                                 IRIDEX CORPORATION


- ---------------------------------          -------------------------------------
Signature                                  By

- ---------------------------------          -------------------------------------
Print Name                                 Its


Address:                                   Address:

- ---------------------------------          IRIDEX Corporation
                                           1212 Terra Bella
- ---------------------------------          Mountain View, CA 94043


                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Date Received






                                       -2-

<PAGE>   22

                                    EXHIBIT B

                               SECURITY AGREEMENT



       This Security Agreement is made as of __________, 19___ between IRIDEX
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Pledgee"), and _________________________
("Pledgor").


                                    Recitals

       Pursuant to Pledgor's election to purchase Shares under the Option
Agreement dated ________ (the "Option"), between Pledgor and Pledgee under
Pledgee's 1998 Stock Plan, and Pledgor's election under the terms of the Option
to pay for such shares with his promissory note (the "Note"), Pledgor has
purchased _________ shares of Pledgee's Common Stock (the "Shares") at a price
of $________ per share, for a total purchase price of $__________. The Note and
the obligations thereunder are as set forth in Exhibit C to the Option.

       NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows:

       1. Creation and Description of Security Interest. In consideration of the
transfer of the Shares to Pledgor under the Option Agreement, Pledgor, pursuant
to the California Commercial Code, hereby pledges all of such Shares (herein
sometimes referred to as the "Collateral") represented by certificate number
______, duly endorsed in blank or with executed stock powers, and herewith
delivers said certificate to the Secretary of Pledgee ("Pledgeholder"), who
shall hold said certificate subject to the terms and conditions of this Security
Agreement.

       The pledged stock (together with an executed blank stock assignment for
use in transferring all or a portion of the Shares to Pledgee if, as and when
required pursuant to this Security Agreement) shall be held by the Pledgeholder
as security for the repayment of the Note, and any extensions or renewals
thereof, to be executed by Pledgor pursuant to the terms of the Option, and the
Pledge holder shall not encumber or dispose of such Shares except in accordance
with the provisions of this Security Agreement.

       2. Pledgor's Representations and Covenants. To induce Pledgee to enter
into this Security Agreement, Pledgor represents and covenants to Pledgee, its
successors and assigns, as follows:

          a. Payment of Indebtedness. Pledgor will pay the principal sum of the
Note secured hereby, together with interest thereon, at the time and in the
manner provided in the Note.

          b. Encumbrances. The Shares are free of all other encumbrances,
defenses and liens, and Pledgor will not further encumber the Shares without the
prior written consent of Pledgee.

          c. Margin Regulations. In the event that Pledgee's Common Stock is now
or later becomes margin-listed by the Federal Reserve Board and Pledgee is
classified as a "lender" within



<PAGE>   23

the meaning of the regulations under Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal
Regulations ("Regulation G"), Pledgor agrees to cooperate with Pledgee in making
any amendments to the Note or providing any additional collateral as may be
necessary to comply with such regulations.

       3. Voting Rights. During the term of this pledge and so long as all
payments of principal and interest are made as they become due under the terms
of the Note, Pledgor shall have the right to vote all of the Shares pledged
hereunder.

       4. Stock Adjustments. In the event that during the term of the pledge any
stock dividend, reclassification, readjustment or other changes are declared or
made in the capital structure of Pledgee, all new, substituted and additional
shares or other securities issued by reason of any such change shall be
delivered to and held by the Pledgee under the terms of this Security Agreement
in the same manner as the Shares originally pledged hereunder. In the event of
substitution of such securities, Pledgor, Pledgee and Pledgeholder shall
cooperate and execute such documents as are reasonable so as to provide for the
substitution of such Collateral and, upon such substitution, references to
"Shares" in this Security Agreement shall include the substituted shares of
capital stock of Pledgor as a result thereof.

       5. Options and Rights. In the event that, during the term of this pledge,
subscription Options or other rights or options shall be issued in connection
with the pledged Shares, such rights, Options and options shall be the property
of Pledgor and, if exercised by Pledgor, all new stock or other securities so
acquired by Pledgor as it relates to the pledged Shares then held by
Pledgeholder shall be immediately delivered to Pledgeholder, to be held under
the terms of this Security Agreement in the same manner as the Shares pledged.

       6. Default. Pledgor shall be deemed to be in default of the Note and of
this Security Agreement in the event:

          a. Payment of principal or interest on the Note shall be delinquent
for a period of 10 days or more; or

          b. Pledgor fails to perform any of the covenants set forth in the
Option or contained in this Security Agreement for a period of 10 days after
written notice thereof from Pledgee.

       In the case of an event of Default, as set forth above, Pledgee shall
have the right to accelerate payment of the Note upon notice to Pledgor, and
Pledgee shall thereafter be entitled to pursue its remedies under the California
Commercial Code.

        7. Release of Collateral. Subject to any applicable contrary rules under
Regulation G, there shall be released from this pledge a portion of the pledged
Shares held by Pledgeholder here under upon payments of the principal of the
Note. The number of the pledged Shares which shall be released shall be that
number of full Shares which bears the same proportion to the initial number of




                                       -2-

<PAGE>   24

Shares pledged hereunder as the payment of principal bears to the initial full
principal amount of the Note.

        8. Withdrawal or Substitution of Collateral. Pledgor shall not sell,
withdraw, pledge, substitute or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the
Collateral without the prior written consent of Pledgee.

        9. Term. The within pledge of Shares shall continue until the payment of
all indebtedness secured hereby, at which time the remaining pledged stock shall
be promptly delivered to Pledgor, subject to the provisions for prior release of
a portion of the Collateral as provided in paragraph 7 above.

       10. Insolvency. Pledgor agrees that if a bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding is instituted by or against it, or if a receiver is appointed for the
property of Pledgor, or if Pledgor makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, the entire amount unpaid on the Note shall become immediately due and
payable, and Pledgee may proceed as provided in the case of default.

       11. Pledgeholder Liability. In the absence of willful or gross
negligence, Pledgeholder shall not be liable to any party for any of his acts,
or omissions to act, as Pledgeholder.

       12. Invalidity of Particular Provisions. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that
the enforceability or invalidity of any provision or provisions of this Security
Agreement shall not render any other provision or provisions herein contained
unenforceable or invalid.

       13. Successors or Assigns. Pledgor and Pledgee agree that all of the
terms of this Security Agreement shall be binding on their respective successors
and assigns, and that the term "Pledgor" and the term "Pledgee" as used herein
shall be deemed to include, for all purposes, the respective designees,
successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators.

       14. Governing Law. This Security Agreement shall be interpreted and
governed under the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules,
of California.














                                       -3-

<PAGE>   25

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the day and year first above written.



       "PLEDGOR"                            ---------------------------------
                                            Signature

                                            ---------------------------------
                                            Print Name

                             Address:       ---------------------------------

                                            ---------------------------------


       "PLEDGEE"                            IRIDEX Corporation,
                                            a Delaware corporation


                                            --------------------------------
                                            Signature

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Print Name

                                            --------------------------------
                                            Title


       "PLEDGEHOLDER"                       --------------------------------
                                            Secretary of
                                            IRIDEX Corporation











                                       -4-

<PAGE>   26

                                    EXHIBIT C

                                      NOTE


$_______________                                       Mountain View, California

                                                           ______________, 19___


       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _______________ promises to pay to IRIDEX
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), or order, the principal sum
of _______________________ ($_____________), together with interest on the
unpaid principal hereof from the date hereof at the rate of _______________
percent (____%) per annum, compounded semiannually.

       Principal and interest shall be due and payable on __________, 19___.
Payment of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United
States of America.

       The undersigned may at any time prepay all or any portion of the
principal or interest owing hereunder.

       This Note is subject to the terms of the Option, dated as of
________________. This Note is secured in part by a pledge of the Company's
Common Stock under the terms of a Security Agreement of even date herewith and
is subject to all the provisions thereof.

       The holder of this Note shall have full recourse against the undersigned,
and shall not be required to proceed against the collateral securing this Note
in the event of default.

       In the event the undersigned shall cease to be an employee, director or
consultant of the Company for any reason, this Note shall, at the option of the
Company, be accelerated, and the whole unpaid balance on this Note of principal
and accrued interest shall be immediately due and payable.

       Should any action be instituted for the collection of this Note, the
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees therein of the holder shall be paid by the
undersigned.




                                            ------------------------------------

                                            ------------------------------------




<PAGE>   27

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

                     NOTICE OF GRANT OF STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT


       Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Notice of Grant.

[Grantee's Name and Address]

       You have been granted the right to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the Company's Repurchase Option and your ongoing status as a Service
Provider (as described in the Plan and the attached Restricted Stock Purchase
Agreement), as follows:

       Grant Number                         _________________________

       Date of Grant                        _________________________

       Price Per Share                      $________________________

       Total Number of Shares Subject       _________________________
         to This Stock Purchase Right

       Expiration Date:                     _________________________


       YOU MUST EXERCISE THIS STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OR
IT WILL TERMINATE AND YOU WILL HAVE NO FURTHER RIGHT TO PURCHASE THE SHARES. By
your signature and the signature of the Company's representative
below, you and the Company agree that this Stock Purchase Right is granted under
and governed by the terms and conditions of the 1998 Stock Plan and the
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, both of
which are made a part of this document. You further agree to execute the
attached Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement as a condition to purchasing any
shares under this Stock Purchase Right.



GRANTEE:                                    IRIDEX CORPORATION

- ---------------------------                 --------------------------------
Signature                                   By


- ---------------------------                 --------------------------------
Print Name                                  Title






                                       -2-

<PAGE>   28

                                   EXHIBIT A-1

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

                       RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

       Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement.

       WHEREAS the Purchaser named in the Notice of Grant, (the "Purchaser") is
an Service Provider, and the Purchaser's continued participation is considered
by the Company to be important for the Company's continued growth; and

       WHEREAS in order to give the Purchaser an opportunity to acquire an
equity interest in the Company as an incentive for the Purchaser to participate
in the affairs of the Company, the Admin istrator has granted to the Purchaser a
Stock Purchase Right subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant, which are incorporated herein by reference, and pursuant to
this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement").

       NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

       1. Sale of Stock. The Company hereby agrees to sell to the Purchaser and
the Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock
(the "Shares"), at the per Share purchase price and as otherwise described in
the Notice of Grant.

       2. Payment of Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Shares may be
paid by delivery to the Company at the time of execution of this Agreement of
cash, a check, or some combination thereof.

       3. Repurchase Option.

          (a) In the event the Purchaser ceases to be a Service Provider for any
or no reason (including death or disability) before all of the Shares are
released from the Company's Repurchase Option (see Section 4), the Company
shall, upon the date of such termination (as reasonably fixed and determined by
the Company) have an irrevocable, exclusive option (the "Repurchase Option") for
a period of sixty (60) days from such date to repurchase up to that number of
shares which constitute the Unreleased Shares (as defined in Section 4) at the
original purchase price per share (the "Repurchase Price"). The Repurchase
Option shall be exercised by the Company by delivering written notice to the
Purchaser or the Purchaser's executor (with a copy to the Escrow Holder) AND, at
the Company's option, (i) by delivering to the Purchaser or the Purchaser's
executor a check in the amount of the aggregate Repurchase Price, or (ii) by
cancelling an amount of the Purchaser's indebtedness to the Company equal to the
aggregate Repurchase Price, or (iii) by a combination of (i) and (ii) so that
the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals the aggregate
Repurchase Price. Upon delivery of such notice and the payment of the aggregate
Repurchase Price, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the
Shares being repurchased and all




                                       -1-

<PAGE>   29

rights and interests therein or relating thereto, and the Company shall have the
right to retain and transfer to its own name the number of Shares being
repurchased by the Company.

          (b) Whenever the Company shall have the right to repurchase Shares
hereunder, the Company may designate and assign one or more employees, officers,
directors or shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations to
exercise all or a part of the Company's purchase rights under this Agreement and
purchase all or a part of such Shares. If the Fair Market Value of the Shares to
be repurchased on the date of such designation or assignment (the "Repurchase
FMV") exceeds the aggregate Repurchase Price of such Shares, then each such
designee or assignee shall pay the Company cash equal to the difference between
the Repurchase FMV and the aggregate Repurchase Price of such Shares.

       4. Release of Shares From Repurchase Option.

          (a) _______________________ percent (______%) of the Shares shall be
released from the Company's Repurchase Option [one year] after the Date of Grant
and __________________ percent (______%) of the Shares [at the end of each month
thereafter], provided that the Purchaser does not cease to be a Service Provider
prior to the date of any such release.

          (b) Any of the Shares that have not yet been released from the
Repurchase Option are referred to herein as "Unreleased Shares."

          (c) The Shares that have been released from the Repurchase Option
shall be delivered to the Purchaser at the Purchaser's request (see Section 6).

       5. Restriction on Transfer. Except for the escrow described in Section 6
or the transfer of the Shares to the Company or its assignees contemplated by
this Agreement, none of the Shares or any beneficial interest therein shall be
transferred, encumbered or otherwise disposed of in any way until such Shares
are released from the Company's Repurchase Option in accordance with the provi
sions of this Agreement, other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.

       6. Escrow of Shares.

          (a) To ensure the availability for delivery of the Purchaser's
Unreleased Shares upon repurchase by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase
Option, the Purchaser shall, upon execution of this Agreement, deliver and
deposit with an escrow holder designated by the Company (the "Escrow Holder")
the share certificates representing the Unreleased Shares, together with the
stock assignment duly endorsed in blank, attached hereto as Exhibit A-2. The
Unreleased Shares and stock assignment shall be held by the Escrow Holder,
pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions of the Company and Purchaser attached
hereto as Exhibit A-3, until such time as the Company's Repurchase Option
expires. As a further condition to the Company's obligations under this




                                       -2-

<PAGE>   30

Agreement, the Company may require the spouse of Purchaser, if any, to execute
and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit A-4.

          (b) The Escrow Holder shall not be liable for any act it may do or
omit to do with respect to holding the Unreleased Shares in escrow while acting
in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.

          (c) If the Company or any assignee exercises the Repurchase Option
hereunder, the Escrow Holder, upon receipt of written notice of such exercise
from the proposed transferee, shall take all steps necessary to accomplish such
transfer.

          (d) When the Repurchase Option has been exercised or expires
unexercised or a portion of the Shares has been released from the Repurchase
Option, upon request the Escrow Holder shall promptly cause a new certificate to
be issued for the released Shares and shall deliver the certificate to the
Company or the Purchaser, as the case may be.

          (e) Subject to the terms hereof, the Purchaser shall have all the
rights of a shareholder with respect to the Shares while they are held in
escrow, including without limitation, the right to vote the Shares and to
receive any cash dividends declared thereon. If, from time to time during the
term of the Repurchase Option, there is (i) any stock dividend, stock split or
other change in the Shares, or (ii) any merger or sale of all or substantially
all of the assets or other acquisition of the Company, any and all new,
substituted or additional securities to which the Purchaser is entitled by
reason of the Purchaser's ownership of the Shares shall be immediately subject
to this escrow, deposited with the Escrow Holder and included thereafter as
"Shares" for purposes of this Agreement and the Repurchase Option.

       7. Legends. The share certificate evidencing the Shares, if any, issued
hereunder shall be endorsed with the following legend (in addition to any legend
required under applicable state securities laws):

       THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
RESTRICTIONS UPON TRANSFER AND RIGHTS OF REPURCHASE AS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE
SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

       8. Adjustment for Stock Split. All references to the number of Shares and
the purchase price of the Shares in this Agreement shall be appropriately
adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or other change in the
Shares which may be made by the Company after the date of this Agreement.

       9. Tax Consequences. The Purchaser has reviewed with the Purchaser's own
tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this
investment and the transactions contem-




                                      -3-

<PAGE>   31

plated by this Agreement. The Purchaser is relying solely on such advisors and
not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.
The Purchaser understands that the Purchaser (and not the Company) shall be
responsible for the Purchaser's own tax liability that may arise as a result of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Purchaser understands that
Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), taxes
as ordinary income the difference between the purchase price for the Shares and
the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the
Shares lapse. In this context, "restriction" includes the right of the Company
to buy back the Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Option. The Purchaser
understands that the Purchaser may elect to be taxed at the time the Shares are
purchased rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires by filing an
election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the IRS within 30 days from the
date of purchase. The form for making this election is attached as Exhibit A-5
hereto.

             THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS THE PURCHASER'S SOLE
RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY'S TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION
83(b), EVEN IF THE PURCHASER REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE
THIS FILING ON THE PURCHASER'S BEHALF.

       10. General Provisions.

           (a) This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive
laws, but not the choice of law rules of California. This Agreement, subject to
the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Notice of Grant, represents the
entire agreement between the parties with respect to the purchase of the Shares
by the Purchaser. Subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a
conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall
prevail. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Agreement.

           (b) Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given
by either the Company or the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally or
deposited in the U.S. mail, First Class with postage prepaid, and addressed to
the parties at the addresses of the parties set forth at the end of this
Agreement or such other address as a party may request by notifying the other in
writing.

           Any notice to the Escrow Holder shall be sent to the Company's
address with a copy to the other party hereto.

           (c) The rights of the Company under this Agreement shall be
transferable to any one or more persons or entities, and all covenants and
agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the
Company's successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of the Purchaser
under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the
Company.




                                       -4-

<PAGE>   32

           (d) Either party's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement
shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision, nor prevent
that party from thereafter enforcing any other provision of this Agreement. The
rights granted both parties hereunder are cumulative and shall not constitute a
waiver of either party's right to assert any other legal remedy available to it.

           (e) The Purchaser agrees upon request to execute any further
documents or instruments necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes or
intent of this Agreement.

           (f) PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING SERVICE AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED OR
PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). PURCHASER FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE
SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED
ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT
ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH PURCHASER'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR
WITHOUT CAUSE.

       By Purchaser's signature below, Purchaser represents that he or she is
familiar with the terms and provisions of the Plan, and hereby accepts this
Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Purchaser has
reviewed the Plan and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity
to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement and fully
understands all provisions of this Agreement. Purchaser agrees to accept as
binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the
Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.
Purchaser further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence
indicated in the Notice of Grant.


DATED:  _____________________

PURCHASER:                                  IRIDEX CORPORATION


- ------------------------------              ----------------------------------
Signature                                   By


- ------------------------------              ----------------------------------
Print Name                                  Title







                                       -5-

<PAGE>   33

                                   EXHIBIT A-2

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE



       FOR VALUE RECEIVED I, __________________________, hereby sell, assign and
transfer unto (__________) shares of the Common Stock of IRIDEX Corporation
standing in my name of the books of said corporation represented by Certificate
No. _____ herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint 
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named corporation with 
full power of substitution in the premises.

       This Stock Assignment may be used only in accordance with the Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") between________________________ and
the undersigned dated ______________, 19__.




Dated: _______________, 19



                                        Signature:_____________________________














INSTRUCTIONS: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line.
The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise the
Repurchase Option, as set forth in the Agreement, without requiring additional
signatures on the part of the Purchaser.





              

<PAGE>   34

                                   EXHIBIT A-3

                            JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS


                                                            ______________, 19__


Corporate Secretary
IRIDEX Corporation
1212 Terra Bella
Mountain View, CA 94043



Dear _________________:

       As Escrow Agent for both IRIDEX Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and the undersigned purchaser of stock of the Company (the
"Purchaser"), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the documents
delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Restricted Stock Purchase
Agreement ("Agreement") between the Company and the undersigned, in accordance
with the following instructions:

       1. In the event the Company and/or any assignee of the Company (referred
to collectively as the "Company") exercises the Company's Repurchase Option set
forth in the Agreement, the Company shall give to Purchaser and you a written
notice specifying the number of shares of stock to be purchased, the purchase
price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the
Company. Purchaser and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you
to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the
terms of said notice.

       2. At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments
necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares
being transferred, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate
evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company or its
assignee, against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (by
cash, a check, or some combination thereof) for the number of shares of stock
being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Company's Repurchase Option.

       3. Purchaser irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any
certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any
additions and substitutions to said shares as defined in the Agreement.
Purchaser does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as Purchaser's
attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect
to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such
securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated,
including but not limited to the filing with any applicable state blue sky
authority of any required applications for consent to, or notice of transfer of,
the securities. Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, Purchaser shall
exercise all rights and privileges of a shareholder of the Company while the
stock is held by you.





                                          

<PAGE>   35

       4. Upon written request of the Purchaser, but no more than once per
calendar year, unless the Company's Repurchase Option has been exercised, you
shall deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing so many
shares of stock as are not then subject to the Company's Repurchase Option.
Within 90 days after Purchaser ceases to be a Service Provider, you shall
deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate
number of shares held or issued pursuant to the Agreement and not purchased by
the Company or its assignees pursuant to exercise of the Company's Repurchase
Option.

       5. If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your
possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Purchaser,
you shall deliver all of the same to Purchaser and shall be discharged of all
further obligations hereunder.

       6. Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked
only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

       7. You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are
specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or
refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. You
shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as
Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Purchaser while acting in good faith,
and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys
shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.

       8. You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings
given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation,
excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby expressly
authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In
case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you shall not
be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or
corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order,
judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside,
vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

       9. You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity,
authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to
execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called
for hereunder.

       10. You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under the
statute of limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any
documents deposited with you.

       11. You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts
as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your
obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay
such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.




                                       -2-

<PAGE>   36

       12. Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if
you shall cease to be an officer or agent of the Company or if you shall resign
by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the
Company shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.

       13. If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection
with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the
necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

       14. It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with
respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the
securities held by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in
your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities
until such disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement
of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has
been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend
any such proceedings.

       15. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing
and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in
the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and
fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the
following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten
days' advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto.


             COMPANY:               IRIDEX Corporation
                                    1212 Terra Bella
                                    Mountain View, CA 94043


             PURCHASER:             _____________________________

                                    _____________________________

                                    _____________________________


             ESCROW AGENT:          Corporate Secretary
                                    IRIDEX Corporation
                                    1212 Terra Bella
                                    Mountain View, CA 94043

       16. By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party hereto
only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a
party to the Agreement.




                                       -3-

<PAGE>   37

       17. This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

       18. These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by, and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the internal substantive laws, but not the
choice of law rules, of California.


                                         Very truly yours,

                                         IRIDEX CORPORATION


                                         -------------------------------------
                                         By

                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Title

                                         PURCHASER:

                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Signature

                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Print Name


                                         ESCROW AGENT:


                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Corporate Secretary




                                       -4-

<PAGE>   38

                                   EXHIBIT A-4

                                CONSENT OF SPOUSE


       I, ____________________, spouse of ___________________, have read and
approve the foregoing Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"). In
consideration of the Company's grant to my spouse of the right to purchase
shares of IRIDEX Corporation, as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my
spouse as my attorney-in-fact in respect to the exercise of any rights under the
Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I
may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares issued pursuant thereto
under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property
in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the
foregoing Agreement.



Dated: _______________, 19


                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Signature of Spouse













<PAGE>   39


                                   EXHIBIT A-5

                          ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)
                      OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986


The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in taxpayer's gross income
for the current taxable year the amount of any compensation taxable to taxpayer
in connection with his or her receipt of the property described below:

1. The name, address, taxpayer identification number and taxable year of the
undersigned are as follows:

      NAME:                     TAXPAYER:                   SPOUSE:

      ADDRESS:

      IDENTIFICATION NO.:       TAXPAYER:                   SPOUSE:

      TAXABLE YEAR:

2.    The property with respect to which the election is made is described as
      follows: shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of IRIDEX Corporation
      (the "Company").

3.    The date on which the property was transferred is: __________ __, 19__.

4.    The property is subject to the following restrictions:

      The Shares may be repurchased by the Company, or its assignee, upon
      certain events. This right lapses with regard to a portion of the Shares
      based on the continued performance of services by the taxpayer over time.

5.    The fair market value at the time of transfer, determined without regard
      to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will never
      lapse, of such property is:

      $---------------.

6.    The amount (if any) paid for such property is:

      $---------------.

The undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom
the services were performed in connection with the undersigned's receipt of the
above-described property. The transferee of such property is the person
performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property.

The undersigned understands that the foregoing election may not be revoked
except with the consent of the Commissioner.


Dated: ___________________, 19____   ___________________________________________
                                     Taxpayer


The undersigned spouse of taxpayer joins in this election.


Dated: ___________________, 19____   ___________________________________________
                                     Spouse of Taxpayer








<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2


                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
                         (As amended February 23, 1998)


        The following constitute the provisions of the 1995 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan of Iridex Corporation (the "Company")

        1. Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the
Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common
Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions. It is the intention
of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan"
under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The
provisions of the Plan, accordingly, shall be construed so as to extend and
limit participation in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section
of the Code.

        2. Definitions.

               (a) "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the company.

               (b) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

               (c) "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of the Company.

               (d) "Company" shall mean Iridex Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, and any Designated Subsidiary of the Company.

               (e) "Compensation" shall mean all base straight time gross
earnings and sales commissions, payments for overtime, shift premium, incentive
compensation, incentive payments, bonuses, but exclusive of other compensation.

               (f) "Designated Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries which
have been designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as
eligible to participate in the Plan.

               (g) "Employee" shall mean any individual who is an Employee of
the Company for tax purposes whose customary employment with the Company is at
least twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar
year. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as
continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of
absence approved by the Company. Where the period of leave exceeds 90 days and
the individual's right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by
contract, the employment relationship will be deemed to have terminated on the
91st day of such leave.

               (h) "Enrollment Date" shall mean the first day of each Offering
Period.

               (i) "Exercise Date" shall mean the last day of each Offering
Period.



<PAGE>   2
               (j) "Fair Market Value" shall mean, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:

                      (1) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation ("Nasdaq") Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the
closing sale price for the Common Stock (or the mean of the closing bid and
asked prices, if no sales were reported), as quoted on such exchange (or the
exchange with the greatest volume of trading in Common Stock) or system on the
date of such determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other
source as the Board deems reliable, or;

                      (2) If the Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq System
(but not on the Nasdaq National Market thereof) or is regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair
Market Value shall be the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for the
Common Stock on the date of such determination, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable, or;

                      (3) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Board.

                      (4) For purposes of the Enrollment Date of the first
Offering Period under the Plan, the Fair Market Value shall be the initial price
to the public as set forth in the final Prospectus included within the
Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the
initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock.

               (k) "Offering Period" shall mean a period of approximately six
(6) months, commencing on an Enrollment Date and terminating on an Exercise
Date. The first Offering Period shall commence on the effective date of the
Company's initial public offering of its Common Stock that is registered with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Effective Date") and shall
terminate on the last Trading Day of the month which is six months from the
Effective Date. Thereafter, Offering Periods shall commence on the first Trading
Day following termination of the prior Offering Period and shall terminate on
the last Trading Day of the sixth month following commencement of such Offering
Period.

               (l) "Plan" shall mean this 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

               (m) "Purchase Price" shall mean an amount equal to 85% of the
Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the
Exercise Date, whichever is lower.

               (n) "Reserves" shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by each option under the Plan which have not yet been exercised and the
number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under
the Plan but not yet placed under option.



                                       -2-



<PAGE>   3
               (o) "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation, domestic or foreign,
of which not less than 50% of the voting shares are held by the Company or a
Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation now exists or is hereafter organized
or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary.

               (p) "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which national stock
exchanges and the NASDAQ System are open for trading.

        3. Eligibility.

               (a) Any Employee (as defined in Section 2(g)), who shall be
employed by the Company on a given Enrollment Date shall be eligible to
participate in the Plan.

               (b) Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding,
no Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan (i) to the extent,
immediately after the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock
would be attributed to such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code)
would own capital stock of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to
purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined
voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of
any Subsidiary, or (ii) to the extent his or her rights to purchase stock under
all employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries to accrue
at a rate which exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) worth of stock
(determined at the fair market value of the shares at the time such option is
granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time.

        4. Offering Periods. The Plan shall be implemented by consecutive
Offering Periods. The first Offering Period shall commence on the Effective Date
and shall terminate on the last Trading Day of the month that is six months from
the Effective Date. Thereafter, Offering Periods shall commence on the first
Trading Day following Exercise Date of the prior Offering Period and shall
terminate on the last Trading Day of the sixth month following commencement of
such Offering Period. The Board shall have the power to change the duration of
Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to
future offerings without shareholder approval if such change is announced at
least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering
Period to be affected thereafter.

        5. Participation.

               (a) An eligible Employee may become a participant in the Plan by
completing a subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions in the form
of Exhibit A to this Plan and filing it with the Company's Personnel Department
office not later than one day prior to the applicable Enrollment Date.

               (b) Payroll deductions for a participant shall commence on the
first payroll following the Enrollment Date and shall end on the last payroll in
the Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner
terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.



                                       -3-



<PAGE>   4
        6. Payroll Deductions.

               (a) At the time a participant files his or her subscription
agreement, he or she shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each pay day
during an Offering Period in an amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the
Compensation which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering
Period.

               (b) All payroll deductions made for a participant shall be
credited to his or her account under the Plan and will be withheld in whole
percentages only. A participant may not make any additional payments into such
account.

               (c) A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the
Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, but may not otherwise increase or
decrease the rate of his or her payroll deductions during the Offering Period. A
participant's subscription agreement shall remain in effect for successive
Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 10 hereof.

               (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to
comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(b) hereof, a
participant's payroll deductions may be decreased to 0% at such time during any
Offering Period which is scheduled to end during the current calendar year (the
"Current Offering Period") that the aggregate of all payroll deductions which
were previously used to purchase stock under the Plan in a prior Offering Period
which ended during that calendar year plus all payroll deductions accumulated
with respect to the Current Offering Period equal $21,250. Payroll deductions
shall recommence at the rate provided in such participant's subscription
agreement at the beginning of the first Offering Period which is scheduled to
end in the following calendar year, unless terminated by the participant as
provided in Section 10 hereof.

               (e) At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or
at the time some or all of the Company's Common Stock issued under the Plan is
disposed of, the participant must make adequate provision for the Company's
federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon
the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock. At any time,
the Company may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the participant's
compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding
obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company
any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of
Common Stock by the Employee.

        7. Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each
eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted an
option to purchase on the Exercise Date of such Offering Period (at the
applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock determined by dividing such Employee's payroll deductions accumulated
prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the participant's account as of the
Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price. In no event shall an Employee be
permitted to purchase on the Exercise Date of any Offering Period a number of
shares greater than, as of the first day of the Offering Period, two times the
Employee's initial payroll deduction amount times the number of



                                       -4-



<PAGE>   5



payroll periods in the Offering Period divided by the per share Fair Market
Value. Moreover, no Employee shall be permitted to purchase more than 1,000
shares in any twelve-month period. All such purchases shall also be subject to
the limitations set forth in Sections 3(b) and 12 hereof. Exercise of the option
shall occur as provided in Section 8 hereof, unless the participant has
withdrawn pursuant to Section 10 hereof, and shall expire on the last day of the
Offering Period.

        8. Exercise of Option. Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as
provided in Section 10 hereof, his or her option for the purchase of shares
shall be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of
full shares subject to option shall be purchased for such participant at the
applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated payroll deductions in his or her
account. No fractional shares shall be purchased; any payroll deductions
accumulated in a participant's account which are not sufficient to purchase a
full share shall be carried over in the participant's account into the next
Offering Period. During a participant's lifetime, a participant's option to
purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.

        9. Delivery. As promptly as practicable after each Exercise Date on
which a purchase of shares occurs, the shares shall be credited to an account in
the participant's name with a brokerage firm selected by the Plan Committee to
hold the shares in it's street name.

        10. Withdrawal; Termination of Employment.

               (a) A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the
payroll deductions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise
his or her option under the Plan at any time up to two weeks prior to any
Exercise Date by giving written notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit B
to this Plan. All of the participant's payroll deductions credited to his or her
account will be paid to such participant promptly after receipt of notice of
withdrawal, such participant's option for the Offering Period will be
automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of
shares will be made during the Offering Period. If a participant withdraws from
an Offering Period, payroll deductions will not resume at the beginning of the
succeeding Offering Period unless the participant delivers to the Company a new
subscription agreement.

               (b) Upon a participant's ceasing to be an Employee (as defined in
Section 2(g) hereof) for any reason, he or she will be deemed to have elected to
withdraw from the Plan and the payroll deductions credited to such participant's
account during the Offering Period but not yet used to exercise the option will
be returned to such participant or, in the case of his or her death, to the
person or persons entitled thereto under Section 14 hereof, and such
participant's option will be automatically terminated. The preceding sentence
notwithstanding, a participant who receives payment in lieu of notice of
termination of employment shall be treated as continuing to be an Employee for
the participant's customary number of hours per week of employment during the
period in which the participant is subject to such payment in lieu of notice.

               (c) A participant's withdrawal from an Offering Period will not
have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan
which may hereafter be adopted by the



                                       -5-



<PAGE>   6



Company or in succeeding Offering Periods which commence after the termination
of the Offering Period from which the participant withdraws.

        11. Interest. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a
participant in the Plan.

        12. Stock.

               (a) The maximum number of shares of the Company's Common Stock
which shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be one hundred,
seventy-five thousand (175,000) shares, subject to adjustment upon changes in
capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 18 hereof. If on a given
Exercise Date the number of shares with respect to which options are to be
exercised exceeds the number of shares then available under the Plan, the
Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares remaining available for
purchase in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall
determine to be equitable.

               (b) The participant will have no interest or voting right in
shares covered by his option until such option has been exercised.

               (c) Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan will
be registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant
and his or her spouse.

        13. Administration.

               (a) Administrative Body. The Plan shall be administered by the
Board or a committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board. The Board
or its committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary authority to
construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility
and to adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan. Every finding,
decision and determination made by the Board or its committee shall, to the full
extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.

               (b) Rule 16b-3 Limitations. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Subsection (a) of this Section 13, in the event that Rule 16b-3 promulgated
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or
any successor provision ("Rule 16b-3") provides specific requirements for the
administrators of plans of this type, the Plan shall be administered only by
such a body and in such a manner as shall comply with the applicable
requirements of Rule 16b-3.

        14. Designation of Beneficiary.

               (a) A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary
who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account
under the Plan in the event of such parti cipant's death subsequent to an
Exercise Date on which the option is exercised but prior to delivery to such
participant of such shares and cash. In addition, a participant may file a
written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the
participant's account under the Plan in the event



                                       -6-



<PAGE>   7
of such participant's death prior to exercise of the option. If a participant is
married and the designated beneficiary is not the spouse, spousal consent shall
be required for such designation to be effective.

               (b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the
participant at any time by written notice. In the event of the death of a
participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the
Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall
deliver such shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate
of the participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed
(to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver
such shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or
relatives of the participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to
the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.

        15. Transferability. Neither payroll deductions credited to a
participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or
to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and
distribution or as provided in Section 14 hereof) by the participant. Any such
attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without
effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw
funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof.

        16. Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company
under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.

        17. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant
in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Employees at
least annually, which statements will set forth the amounts of payroll
deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining
cash balance, if any.

        18. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization.

               (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the Reserves as well as the price per share of
Common Stock covered by each option under the Plan which has not yet been
exercised shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse
stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common
Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock
effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however,
that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed
to have been "effected without receipt of consideration". Such adjustment shall
be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final,
binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an option.



                                      -7-




<PAGE>   8
               (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period shall terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise
provided by the Board.

               (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a proposed sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, each option under the Plan shall be assumed or
an equivalent option shall be substituted by such successor corporation or a
parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless the Board determines,
in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such assumption or
substitution, to shorten the Offering Period then in progress by setting a new
Exercise Date (the "New Exercise Date") or to cancel each outstanding right to
purchase and refund all sums collected from participants during the Offering
Period then in progress. If the Board shortens the Offering Period then in
progress in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale
of assets, the Board shall notify each participant in writing, at least ten (10)
business days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for his
option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that his option will be
exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date he
has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof. For
purposes of this paragraph, an option granted under the Plan shall be deemed to
be assumed if, following the sale of assets or merger, the option confers the
right to purchase or receive, for each share of option stock subject to the
option immediately prior to the sale of assets or merger, the consideration
(whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the sale of
assets or merger by holders of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock held
on the effective date of the transaction (and if such holders were offered a
choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock); provided, however, that if
such consideration received in the sale of assets or merger was not solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its parent (as defined in Section
424(e) of the Code), the Board may, with the consent of the successor
corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon exercise of the
option to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent
equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of
Common Stock and the sale of assets or merger.

        The Board may, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole
discretion, also make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as the price
per share of Common Stock covered by each out standing option, in the event the
Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights offerings
or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common Stock, and
in the event of the Company being consolidated with or merged into any other
corporation.

        19. Amendment or Termination.

               (a) The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time and for
any reason amend or terminate the Plan. Except as provided in Section 18 hereof,
no such termination can affect options previously granted. Except as provided in
Section 18 hereof, no amendment may make any change in any option theretofore
granted which adversely affects the rights of any participant. To the extent
necessary to comply with Rule 16b-3 or under Section 423 of the Code (or 



                                       -8-



<PAGE>   9
any successor rule or provision or any other applicable law or regulation), the
Company shall obtain shareholder approval in such a manner and to such a degree
as required.

               (b) Without shareholder consent, the Board (or its committee)
shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or
number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish
the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S.
dollars (with respect to participants who are not United States residents),
permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a participant
in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company's processing of
properly completed withholding elections (provided, however, that the Company
may not withhold more than the aggregate amount of payroll deductions designated
to be withheld by a participant in any Offering Period), establish reasonable
waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to
ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each
participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the participant's
Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Board
(or its committee) determines in its sole discretion advisable which are
consistent with the Plan.

        20. Notices. All notices or other communications by a participant to the
Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly
given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by
the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

        21. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued with
respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and
delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable
provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements
of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.

        As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the
person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such
exercise that the shares are being pur chased only for investment and without
any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of
counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the
aforementioned applicable provisions of law.

        22. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
shareholders of the Company. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10)
years unless sooner terminated under Section 19 hereof.



                                      -9-



<PAGE>   10
                                    EXHIBIT A


                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                             SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT


_____ Original Application
      Enrollment Date: __________
_____ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate
_____ Change of Beneficiary(ies)

1.      _____________________________________ hereby elects to participate in
        the Iridex Corporation 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Employee
        Stock Purchase Plan") and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company'
        s Common Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the
        Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

2.      I hereby authorize payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount
        of ____% of my Compensation (not to exceed 10%) on each payday during
        each Offering Period, in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase
        Plan. (Please note that no fractional percentages are permitted.)

3.      I understand that said payroll deductions shall be accumulated for the
        purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price
        determined in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. I
        understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any
        accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically purchase
        such Shares.

4.      I have received a copy of the complete "Employee Stock Purchase Plan." I
        understand that my participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan is
        in all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.

5.      Shares purchased for me under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan should be
        issued in the name(s) of (Employee or Employee and Spouse Only):

6.      I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to
        the Plan within 2 years after the Enrollment Date (the first day of the
        Offering Period during which I purchased such shares), I will be treated
        for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at
        the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the
        fair market value of the shares at the time such shares were purchased
        by me over the price which I paid for the shares. I hereby agree to
        notify the Company in writing within 30 days after the date of any
        disposition of shares and I will make adequate provision for Federal,
        state or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the
        disposition of the Common Stock. The Company may, but will not be
        obligated to, withhold from my compensation the amount



<PAGE>   11
        necessary to meet any applicable withholding obligation including any
        withholding necessary to make available to the Company any tax
        deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of
        Common Stock by me. If I dispose of such shares at any time after the
        expiration of the 2-year holding period, I understand that I will be
        treated for federal income tax purposes as having received income only
        at the time of such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as
        ordinary income only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of
        (1) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of
        such disposition over the purchase price which I paid for the shares, or
        (2) 15% of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the
        Offering Period. The remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such
        disposition will be taxed as capital gain.

7.      I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Employee Stock Purchase
        Plan. The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon
        my eligibility to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

8.      In the event of my death, I hereby designate the following as my
        beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and shares due me under the
        Employee Stock Purchase Plan:


        NAME:  (Please print)
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             (First)          (Middle)          (Last)



        Relationship
                    -------------------     ------------------------------------

                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Address)



                                       -2-



<PAGE>   12
        NAME:  (Please print)
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             (First)           (Middle)         (Last)



        Relationship-------------------     ------------------------------------

                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Address)


        Employee's Social
        Security Number:                    ------------------------------------


        Employee's Address:                 ------------------------------------

                                            ------------------------------------

                                            ------------------------------------


I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT
SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.



                                            Dated:
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Signature of Employee



                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Spouse's Signature
                                                  (If beneficiary other than 
                                                  spouse)



                                       -3-




<PAGE>   13


                                    EXHIBIT B


                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

                        1995 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

                              NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL


        The undersigned participant in the Offering Period of the Iridex
Corporation 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which began on ___________ 19____
(the "Enrollment Date") hereby notifies the Company that he or she hereby
withdraws from the Offering Period. He or she hereby directs the Company to pay
to the undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll deductions
credited to his or her account with respect to such Offering Period. The
undersigned understands and agrees that his or her option for such Offering
Period will be automatically terminated. The undersigned understands further
that no further payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in
the current Offering Period, and the undersigned shall be eligible to
participate in succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a
new Subscription Agreement.


                                            Name and Address of Participant:


                                            ------------------------------------

                                            ------------------------------------

                                            ------------------------------------


                                            Signature:

                                            ------------------------------------


                                            Date:
                                                 -------------------------------



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3


                               IRIDEX CORPORATION

                            1995 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN
                         (As amended February 23, 1998)


        1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 1995 Director Option Plan
are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as Outside
Directors (as defined herein) of the Company, to provide additional incentive to
the Outside Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage
their continued service on the Board.

               All options granted hereunder shall be nonstatutory stock
options.

        2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

               (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

               (b) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

               (c) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

               (d) "Company" means Iridex Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

               (e) "Director" means a member of the Board.

               (f) "Employee" means any person, including officers and
Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
The payment of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of
itself to constitute "employment" by the Company.

               (g) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

               (h) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:

                        (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established
stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the
Nasdaq National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, the Fair Market Value of a Share of
Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing
bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such system or exchange (or the
exchange with the greatest volume of trading in Common Stock) on the date of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Board deems reliable;

                        (ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ System
(but not on the National Market thereof) or regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the date of determination, as reported in The
Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable, or;



<PAGE>   2
                        (iii) In the absence of an established market for the
Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by
the Board.

               (i) "Inside Director" means a Director who is an Employee.

               (j) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

               (k) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.

               (l) "Optionee" means a Director who holds an Option.

               (m) "Outside Director" means a Director who is not an Employee.

               (n) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

               (o) "Plan" means this 1995 Director Option Plan.

               (p) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 10 of the Plan.

               (q) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.

        3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 160,000 Shares of Common Stock (the "Pool"). The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

               If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall
become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan.

        4. Administration and Grants of Options under the Plan.

               (a) Procedure for Grants. The provisions set forth in this
Section 4(a) shall not be amended more than once every six months, other than to
comport with changes in the Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder. All grants of Options to Outside
Directors under this Plan shall be automatic and nondiscretionary and shall be
made strictly in accordance with the following provisions:

                        (i) No person shall have any discretion to select which
Outside Directors shall be granted Options or to determine the number of Shares
to be covered by Options granted to Outside Directors.



                                       -2-



<PAGE>   3
                        (ii) Each Outside Director shall be automatically
granted an Option to purchase 11,250 Shares (the "First Option") on the date on
which the later of the following events occurs: (A) the date of adoption of this
plan, or (B) the date on which such person first becomes an Outside Director,
whether through election by the shareholders of the Company or appointment by
the Board to fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside Director who
ceases to be an Inside Director but who remains a Director shall not receive a
First Option.

                        (iii) Thereafter, each Outside Director shall be
automatically granted an Option to purchase 3,750 Shares (a "Subsequent Option")
on July 1 of each year provided he or she is then an Outside Director, and if as
of such date, he or she shall have served on the Board for at least the
preceding six (6) months.

                        (iv) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (ii)
and (iii) hereof, any exercise of an Option granted before the Company has
obtained shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof
shall be conditioned upon obtaining such shareholder approval of the Plan in
accordance with Section 16 hereof.

                        (v) The terms of a First Option granted hereunder shall
be as follows:

                             (A) the term of the First Option shall be ten (10)
years.

                             (B) the First Option shall be exercisable only
while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set
forth in Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                             (C) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of
the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the First Option. In the
event that the date of grant of the First Option is not a trading day, the
exercise price per Share shall be the Fair Market Value on the next trading day
immediately following the date of grant of the First Option.

                             (D) subject to Section 10 hereof, the First Option
shall become exercisable as to one-twelfth (1/12) of the Shares subject to the
First Option on the last day of each calendar quarter (i.e., March 31, June 30,
September 30 and December 31) after its vesting start date as defined in the
Option Agreement, provided that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on
such dates and provided that on the first such vesting date the Director has
served as a Director for at least 60 days prior thereto.

                        (vi) The terms of a Subsequent Option granted hereunder
shall be as follows:

                             (A) the term of the Subsequent Option shall be ten
(10) years.

                             (B) the Subsequent Option shall be exercisable only
while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set
forth in Sections 8 and 10 hereof.



                                       -3-



<PAGE>   4
                             (C) the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of
the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.
In the event that the date of grant of the Subsequent Option is not a trading
day, the exercise price per Share shall be the Fair Market Value on the next
trading day immediately following the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.

                             (D) subject to Section 10 hereof, the Subsequent
Option shall become exercisable as to one-fourth (1/4) of the Shares subject to
the Subsequent Option on the last day of each calendar quarter (i.e. March 31,
June 30, September 30 and December 31) commencing one quarter after the First
Option and any previously granted Subsequent Options have become fully
exercisable, provided that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such
dates.

                        (vii) In the event that any Option granted under the
Plan would cause the number of Shares subject to outstanding Options plus the
number of Shares previously purchased under Options to exceed the Pool, then the
remaining Shares available for Option grant shall be granted under Options to
the Outside Directors on a pro rata basis. No further grants shall be made until
such time, if any, as additional Shares become available for grant under the
Plan through action of the Board or the shareholders to increase the number of
Shares which may be issued under the Plan or through cancellation or expiration
of Options previously granted hereunder.

        5. Eligibility. Options may be granted only to Outside Directors. All
Options shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in
Section 4 hereof.

            The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect
to continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a Director,
nor shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director or the
Company may have to terminate the Director's relationship with the Company at
any time.

        6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the shareholders of the
Company as described in Section 16 of the Plan. It shall continue in effect for
a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 11 of the Plan.

        7. Form of Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the Shares to
be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall
consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) other shares which (x) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised, (iv) delivery of a properly
executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Company
and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option
and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the
exercise price, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.



                                       -4-



<PAGE>   5
        8. Exercise of Option.

               (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section
4 hereof; provided, however, that no Options shall be exercisable until
shareholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof has been
obtained.

               An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

               An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of
such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 7 of the Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment
shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior
to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 10 of
the Plan.

               Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in
the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the
Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the
Option is exercised.

               (b) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to Outside Directors must comply
with the applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act
or any successor thereto and shall contain such additional conditions or
restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify Plan transactions, and
other transactions by Outside Directors that otherwise could be matched with
Plan transactions, for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange
Act.

               (c) Termination of Continuous Status as a Director. Subject to
Section 10 hereof, in the event an Optionee's status as a Director terminates
(other than upon the Optionee's death or disability), the Optionee may exercise
his or her Option, but only within three (3) months following the date of such
termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it on the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise an Option on the date of such termination, and to the extent that the
Optionee does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled)
within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

               (d) Disability of Optionee. In the event Optionee's status as a
Director terminates as a result of his or her disability (as such term is
defined in Section 22(3) (3) of the Code), the Optionee may exercise his or her
Option, but only within twelve (12) months following the date of such
termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it on the date of



                                       -5-



<PAGE>   6
such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year
term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option on
the date of termination, or if he or she does not exercise such Option (to the
extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate.

               (e) Death of Optionee. In the event of an Optionee's death, the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by
bequest or inheritance may exercise the Option, but only within twelve (12)
months following the date of death, and only to the extent that the Optionee was
entitled to exercise it on the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration of its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not
entitled to exercise an Option on the date of death, and to the extent that the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise such Option
does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        9.     Non-Transferability of Options. The Option may not be sold, 
pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other
than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised,
during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

        10.    Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger,
               Asset Sale or Change of Control.

               (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each
outstanding Option, the number of Shares which have been authorized for issuance
under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well
as the price per Share covered by each such outstanding Option, and the number
of Shares issuable pursuant to the automatic grant provisions of Section 4
hereof shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the
number of issued Shares resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other
increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Except as expressly provided herein, no
issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment
by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares
subject to an Option.

               (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option has not
been previously exercised, it shall terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

               (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation where following such merger the stockholders of
the Company prior to such



                                       -6-



<PAGE>   7



merger own less than 50% of the voting securities of the surviving corporation
(a "change of control"), or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option shall become fully vested and
exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would not otherwise be
exercisable. The Board shall notify the Optionee that the Option shall be fully
exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice, and
upon the expiration of such period the Option shall terminate. In the event of a
merger with or into another corporation where there is no change of control of
the Company, each outstanding Option may be assumed or equivalent options may be
substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary thereof.

            For the purposes of this Section 10(c), an Option shall be
considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the Option
confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the
consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in
the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on
the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of
consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding Shares).

        11. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

               (a) Amendment and Termination. Except as set forth in Section 4,
the Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no
amendment, alteration, suspension, or discontinuation shall be made which would
impair the rights of any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his
or her consent. In addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (or any other applicable law or
regulation), the Company shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment
in such a manner and to such a degree as required.

               (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated.

        12. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for
all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

        13. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated there
under, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon
which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

            As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require
the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such



                                       -7-



<PAGE>   8
Shares, if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is
required by any of the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.

            Inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory
body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to
be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall
relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell
such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

        14. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

        15. Option Agreement. Options shall be evidenced by written option
agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.

        16. Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company at or prior to the first annual
meeting of shareholders held subsequent to the granting of an Option hereunder.
Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required
under applicable state and federal law.



                                       -8-


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of
IRIDEX Corporation (Form S-8: No. 333-4264, No. 333-32161 and No. _________)
pertaining to the 1989 Incentive Stock Plan, 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
1995 Director Option Plan and 1998 Stock Plan of our reports dated January 22,
1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule of IRIDEX Corporation for the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997,
which reports are included in the registration statement on Form 10-K405.


                                            /s/  COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



San Jose, California
June 22, 1998


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