Company: STAA
Filing Date: 2025-04-24
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0000950170-25-058174
Chunk: 36

Company: STAAR SURGICAL CO
Filing Date: 2025-04-24
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 36
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 process, the Committee engaged Semler Brossy in August 2024 to assist with benchmarking and structuring market-based compensation packages to attract and retain our executives. The Committee assessed the independence of Aon Human Capital Solutions and Semler Brossy considering the factors set forth in applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules and concluded no conflicts of interest were raised by the work performed for the Committee. In 2024, Semler Brossy’s services included a review of the Company’s compensation program concerning the CEO and other members of management. In addition, Semler Brossy provided benchmark data and recommendations, including for the Company’s peer group for its 2025 compensation program. Semler Brossy also assisted with the Company’s analysis of its equity incentive plan, including the structure and types of awards granted. Elements of Compensation The elements of compensation that may be earned by our named executive officers include base salary, annual cash bonus, and equity-based awards. All components of each named executive officer’s compensation are annually reviewed in the context of Company performance and individual performance. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving compensation for the Company’s executive leadership, except for the CEO. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving compensation for the CEO, based on the recommendation of the Committee. The CEO does not participate in the determination of her/his own compensation.

| 2025 Proxy Statement | – 27 – |

#### –Compensation Discussion and Analysis–
Base Salaries The Committee, with input from the CEO, reviews, considers and approves base salaries at a level intended to attract and retain the Company’s NEOs. The Committee generally reviews base salaries in the first quarter of each year and approves any changes based upon Company performance, market data, executive performance, scope of responsibility, and past and potential contributions to our business. In March 2024, the Committee approved a merit increase in base salary rate of 4.90% for each of Messrs. Williams and Foust and Dr. Michna, which was consistent with merit increases for Company employees located in the United States. Mr. Sisitsky, who joined the Company in December 2023, did not receive an annual merit increase in 2024. In addition, the Board determined not to change Mr. Frinzi’s base salary for 2024. The table below reflects the base salary for each NEO in 2024:

| Named Executive Officer |     | 2023 Base Salary ($) |     | 2024 Base Salary as of December