Document:

Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance

 

Exhibit 10.9

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement, effective as of June 26, 2006, is by and between MENTOR Corporation
(“COMPANY”), with its executive offices at 201 Mentor Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93111, and
Joseph A. Newcomb (“EMPLOYEE”). Effective as of
December 21, 2007, the Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety.

RECITALS

COMPANY is in the business of manufacturing and selling medical devices and related products.
EMPLOYEE has experience in this business and possesses valuable skills and experience, which will
be used in advancing COMPANY’s interests. EMPLOYEE is willing to be engaged by COMPANY and COMPANY
is willing to engage EMPLOYEE in an executive capacity responsible for ALL Legal functions of
COMPANY, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

AGREEMENT

EMPLOYEE and COMPANY, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1. SERVICES

1.1 General Services.

1.1.1 Company shall employ EMPLOYEE as Vice President/General Counsel. EMPLOYEE shall perform
the duties customarily performed by one holding such position in a similar business as that engaged
in by COMPANY. To the extent that they do not reduce the scope of the responsibilities described
above, EMPLOYEE’s duties may change from time to time on reasonable notice, based on the needs of
COMPANY and EMPLOYEE’s skills as determined by COMPANY. These duties shall hereinafter be referred
to as “Services.” EMPLOYEE shall report directly to the President/CEO of Mentor Corporation.

1.1.2 In the event that EMPLOYEE shall from time to time serve COMPANY as a director or shall
serve in any other office during the term of this Agreement; EMPLOYEE shall serve in such
capacities without further compensation.

1.1.3 EMPLOYEE shall devote his entire working time, attention, and energies to the business
of COMPANY, and shall not, during the term of this Agreement, be engaged in any other business
activity whether or not such business activity is pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary
advantage, without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors of COMPANY, except that
EMPLOYEE may serve as a non-management director on the board of directors of a maximum of two other
public companies. This shall not be construed as preventing EMPLOYEE from investing his assets in
a form or manner that does not require any services on the part of EMPLOYEE in the operation or
affairs of the entities in which such investments are made, or from engaging in such civic,
charitable, religious, or political activities that do not interfere with the performance of
EMPLOYEE’s duties hereunder.

1.2 Best Abilities. EMPLOYEE shall serve COMPANY faithfully and to the best of
EMPLOYEE’s ability. EMPLOYEE shall use EMPLOYEE’s best abilities to perform the Services.
Employee shall act at all times according to what EMPLOYEE reasonably believes is in the best
interests of COMPANY.

1.3 Corporate Authority. EMPLOYEE, as an executive officer, shall comply with all
laws and regulations applicable to EMPLOYEE as a result of this Agreement, including, but not
limited to, the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Prior to the execution
of this Agreement, EMPLOYEE has received and reviewed COMPANY’s Policies and Procedures and
COMPANY’s Employee Handbook. EMPLOYEE shall comply with COMPANY’s Policies and Procedures, and
practices now in effect or as later amended or adopted by COMPANY, as required of
similarly-situated executives of COMPANY.

 

 

 

2. TERM

This Agreement shall commence upon the execution of this Agreement and shall continue until
terminated as provided in Section 4 of this Agreement.

3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Compensation. EMPLOYEE’s total compensation consists of base salary, bonus
potential, stock options, and medical and other benefits generally provided to employees of
COMPANY. Any compensation paid to EMPLOYEE shall be pursuant to COMPANY’s policies and practices
for exempt employees and shall be subject to all applicable laws and requirements regarding the
withholding of federal, state and/or local taxes. Compensation provided in this Agreement is full
payment for Services and EMPLOYEE shall receive no additional compensation for extraordinary
services unless otherwise authorized. EMPLOYEE’s entire compensation package will be reviewed
annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, a practice which is consistent
with COMPANY’s Executive Compensation Program.

3.1.1 Base Compensation. COMPANY agrees to pay EMPLOYEE an annualized base salary of
Three Hundred Twenty-Seven Thousand Dollars ($327,000.) less applicable withholdings, payable in
equal installments no less frequently than semi-monthly.

3.1.2 Cash Incentive Bonus. EMPLOYEE shall be eligible for a cash incentive bonus of
up to Seventy-Five (75) Percent of EMPLOYEE’s annual base salary, subject to applicable
withholdings and subject to approval by COMPANY’s Compensation Committee and Board of Directors.
Any cash incentive bonus shall accrue and become payable to EMPLOYEE only if EMPLOYEE is employed
with COMPANY on the last day of the fiscal year for which the cash incentive bonus is calculated.

3.1.3 Stock Options/Equity Grants. Based upon satisfactory performance, under the
COMPANY’S then current stock equity or other long-term incentive plans, COMPANY expects that
EMPLOYEE will qualify for grants of options or other equity awards to acquire or receive common
stock of COMPANY subject to determination by the Board of Directors, of an amount which is
consistent with COMPANY’s Executive Compensation Program. Any such grants shall also be subject to
performance considerations as well as the determination of the Board of Directors. Employee will be
recommended to receive 125,000 (One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand) stock options, issued at the
share price at the close of business on the day the options are approved by the Mentor Board of
Directors. Employee will also be recommended to receive a grant of 20,000 (Twenty Thousand)
restricted shares to meet mandatory equity holding requirements, shares to be issued at the price
of stock at the close of business on the day the grant is approved by the Mentor Board of
Directors.

3.2 Business Expenses. COMPANY shall reimburse EMPLOYEE for business expenses
reasonably incurred in performing Services according to COMPANY’s Expense Reimbursement Policy.

3.3 Additional Benefits. COMPANY shall provide EMPLOYEE those additional benefits
normally granted by COMPANY to its employees subject to eligibility requirements applicable to each
benefit. COMPANY has no obligation to provide any other benefits unless provided for in this
Agreement. Currently COMPANY provides major medical, dental, life, salary continuation, long term
disability benefits and eligibility to participate in COMPANY’s 401(k) plan.

3.4 Vacation. Employee shall accrue vacation equal to TWENTY (20) days per year, at
the rate of approximately 1.67 days per month. The time or times for such vacation shall be
selected by EMPLOYEE and approved by the President and Chief Executive Officer of COMPANY.

4. TERMINATION

4.1 Circumstances Of Termination. This Agreement and the employment relationship
between COMPANY and EMPLOYEE may be terminated as follows:

 

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4.1.1 Death. This Agreement shall terminate upon EMPLOYEE’s death, effective as of
the date of EMPLOYEE’s death.

4.1.2 Disability. COMPANY may, at its option, either suspend compensation payments or
terminate this Agreement due to EMPLOYEE’s Disability if EMPLOYEE is incapable, even with
reasonable accommodation by COMPANY, of performing the Services because of accident, injury, or
physical or mental illness for ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) consecutive days, or is unable or shall
have failed to perform the Services for a total period of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) within a TWELVE
(12) month period, regardless of whether such days are consecutive. If COMPANY suspends
compensation payments because of EMPLOYEE’s Disability, COMPANY shall resume compensation payments
when EMPLOYEE resumes performance of the Services. If COMPANY elects to terminate this Agreement
due to EMPLOYEE’s Disability, it must first give EMPLOYEE TEN (10) WORKING days advance written
notice.

4.1.3 Discontinuance Of Business. If COMPANY discontinues operating its business,
this Agreement shall terminate as of the last day of the month on which COMPANY ceases its entire
operations with the same effect as if that last date were originally established as termination
date of this Agreement.

4.1.4 For Cause. COMPANY may terminate this Agreement without advance notice for
Cause. For the purpose of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean any failure to comply in any material
respect with this Agreement or any Agreement incorporated herein; personal or professional
misconduct by EMPLOYEE (including, but not limited to, criminal activity or gross or willful
neglect of duty); breach of EMPLOYEE’s fiduciary duty to the COMPANY; conduct which threatens
public health or safety, or threatens to do immediate or substantial harm to COMPANY’s business or
reputation; or any other misconduct, deficiency, failure of performance, breach or default,
reasonably capable of being remedied or corrected by EMPLOYEE. To the extent that a breach
pursuant to this Section 4.1.4 is curable by EMPLOYEE without harm to COMPANY and/or it’s
reputation, COMPANY shall, instead of immediately terminating EMPLOYEE pursuant to this Agreement,
provide EMPLOYEE with notice of such breach, specifying the actions required to cure such breach,
and EMPLOYEE shall have ten (10) days to cure such breach by performing the actions so specified.
If EMPLOYEE fails to cure such breach within the ten (10) day period, COMPANY may terminate this
Agreement without further notice. COMPANY’s exercise of its right to terminate under this section
shall be without prejudice to any other remedy to which COMPANY may be entitled at law, in equity,
or under this Agreement.

4.1.5 For Convenience Of Party; Resignation by EMPLOYEE for Good Reason. This
Agreement and employment relationship is terminable by either party, for convenience, with or
without cause, including but not limited to resignation by EMPLOYEE for Good Reason, at any time
upon THIRTY (30) days’ advance written notice to the other party. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following without EMPLOYEE’s express written
consent: (i) a significant reduction of EMPLOYEE’s material duties, position, or responsibilities
as provided in this Agreement, or the removal of EMPLOYEE from the position, duties, and
responsibilities contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) a material reduction in Base Compensation or
Cash Incentive Bonus other than a one-time reduction of not more than 10% that also is applied to
substantially all other senior executives at the COMPANY; (iii) EMPLOYEE must perform a
significant portion of his duties at a location more than 50 miles from COMPANY headquarters; or
(iv) COMPANY headquarters are relocated more than 50 miles from the current location in Santa
Barbara, California.

4.1.6 Change of Control. If employment is terminated within TWELVE (12) months after
the occurrence of any of the events described as a Change of Control as defined under the
provisions of the applicable equity or other long-term incentive plan in effect at the time of such
Change of Control, EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to severance compensation pursuant to Section 4.2.6
(i),(ii),(iii),(iv) and (v).

4.2 Rights Upon Termination

4.2.1 Death. Upon termination of this Agreement because of death of EMPLOYEE pursuant
to Section 4.1.1 above, COMPANY shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE under the Agreement,
except that COMPANY shall (i) distribute to EMPLOYEE’s estate or designated beneficiary any unpaid
compensation and reimbursable expenses, less applicable withholdings, owed to EMPLOYEE prior to the
date of EMPLOYEE’s death, and (ii) administer the benefits available to EMPLOYEE’s estate or designated
beneficiary upon death of EMPLOYEE under the COMPANY’s applicable benefit and incentive plans.

 

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4.2.2 Disability. Upon termination of this Agreement because of Disability of
EMPLOYEE pursuant to Sections 4.1.2 above, COMPANY shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE
under the Agreement, except that COMPANY shall (i) distribute to EMPLOYEE, or EMPLOYEE’s estate or
designated beneficiary, any unpaid compensation and reimbursable expenses, less applicable
withholdings, owed to EMPLOYEE prior to the date of EMPLOYEE’s termination due to Disability, and
(ii) administer the benefits available to EMPLOYEE, or EMPLOYEE’s estate or designated beneficiary,
upon disability of EMPLOYEE under the COMPANY’s applicable benefit and incentive plans.

4.2.3 Discontinuance Of Business. Upon termination of this Agreement because of
discontinuation of COMPANY’s business pursuant to Section 4.1.3, COMPANY shall have no further
obligation to EMPLOYEE under the Agreement except to distribute to EMPLOYEE any unpaid compensation
and reimbursable expenses, less applicable withholdings, owed to EMPLOYEE prior to the date of
termination of this Agreement.

4.2.4 Termination With Cause. Upon termination of EMPLOYEE’s employment for Cause
pursuant to Section 4.1.4, COMPANY shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE under this
Agreement except to distribute to EMPLOYEE:

(i) Any compensation and reimbursable expenses owed to EMPLOYEE by COMPANY through the
termination date, less applicable withholdings; and

(ii) Severance compensation as provided for in COMPANY’s Severance Policy, if any, less
applicable withholdings.

4.2.5 Termination Without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason. Upon termination of
EMPLOYEE’s employment by COMPANY without cause pursuant to Section 4.1.5, or if EMPLOYEE terminates
this Agreement at any time for Good Reason, COMPANY shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE
under this Agreement except to distribute to EMPLOYEE:

(i) Any compensation then due EMPLOYEE in accordance with Sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, and
reimbursable expenses owed by COMPANY to EMPLOYEE through the termination date, less applicable
withholdings; and

(ii) Payment of full COBRA premium for TWENTY-FOUR (24) months following termination. Should
EMPLOYEE discontinue COBRA coverage or elect alternative coverage, a cash payment will not be
provided in lieu of payment of premium; and

(iii) A pro-rated amount, based on the timing of EMPLOYEE’s termination or resignation
relative to the end of the COMPANY’s then current fiscal year, of the EMPLOYEE’s eligible cash
incentive bonus percentage of base salary, as described in Section 3.1.2, and any unpaid bonus
earned by EMPLOYEE prior to the then current fiscal year, less applicable withholdings; and

(iv) Severance compensation totaling TWENTY-FOUR (24) months’ base pay, determined at
EMPLOYEE’s then-current rate of base pay; provided, however, that EMPLOYEE may elect to accept a
lesser amount of severance than stipulated if EMPLOYEE deems it beneficial to him/her in light of
various income and excise tax considerations. In consideration for this severance compensation,
EMPLOYEE, on behalf of himself, his agents, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns,
expressly releases and forever discharges COMPANY and its successors and assigns, and all of its
respective agents, directors, officers, partners, employees, representatives, insurers, attorneys,
parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint ventures, and each of them, from any and all
claims based upon acts or events that occurred on or before the date on which EMPLOYEE accepts the
severance compensation, including any claim arising under any state or federal statute or common
law, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. “ 2000e,
et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. “ 12101, et seq., the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. “ 623, et. seq., the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. “ 2101, et. seq., and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Cal. Gov’t Code “ 12940, et seq. EMPLOYEE acknowledges
that he is familiar with section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which reads as follows:

 

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

EMPLOYEE expressly acknowledges and agrees that he is releasing all known and unknown claims,
and that he is waiving all rights he has or may have under Civil Code Section 1542 or under any
other statute or common law principle of similar effect. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that the benefits
he is receiving in exchange for this Release are more than the benefits to which he otherwise would
have been entitled, and that such benefits constitute valid and adequate consideration for this
Release. EMPLOYEE further acknowledges that he has read this Release, understands all of its
terms, and has consulted with counsel of his choosing before signing this Agreement.

Severance compensation pursuant to this paragraph shall be in lieu of any other severance
benefit to which EMPLOYEE would otherwise be entitled, under either any other provision to this
Agreement or any COMPANY policies in effect on the date of execution of this Agreement. Severance
compensation shall be paid upon termination of EMPLOYEE’s employment and in one lump sum payment at
the date of termination, less applicable withholdings.

Any benefits payable under this Section 4.2.5 shall be delayed to the extent necessary to
comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409(A)(2)(B)(i) (relating to payments made to certain
“specified employees” of certain publicly-traded companies) and in such event, any such amount to
which EMPLOYEE would otherwise be entitled during the six (6) month period immediately following
EMPLOYEE’S separation from service will be paid on the first business day following the expiration
of such six (6) month period.

4.2.6 Termination Due to Change Of Control. If employment is terminated within TWELVE
(12) months after any of the events delineated in Section 4.1.6 of this Agreement (“Change of
Control”), COMPANY shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE under this Agreement except to
distribute to EMPLOYEE:

(i) Compensation then due EMPLOYEE in accordance with Sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 and
reimbursable expenses owed by COMPANY to EMPLOYEE through the termination date, less applicable
withholdings; and

(ii) ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) of the Employee’s eligible cash incentive bonus percentage of
base salary, as described in Section 3.1.2, and any unpaid bonus earned by EMPLOYEE prior to the
then current fiscal year, less applicable withholdings; and

(iii) Any shares for options awarded in accordance with and pursuant to the Long-Term
Incentive Plan applicable to EMPLOYEE’s option award(s); and

(iv) Payment of full COBRA premium for TWENTY-FOUR (24) months following termination. Should
EMPLOYEE discontinue COBRA coverage or elect alternative coverage, a cash payment will not be
provided in lieu of payment of premium; and

(v) Severance compensation totaling TWENTY-FOUR (24) months’ base pay, determined at
EMPLOYEE’s then-current rate of base pay; provided, however, that EMPLOYEE may elect to accept a
lesser amount of severance than stipulated if EMPLOYEE deems it beneficial to him/her in light of
various income and excise tax considerations. In consideration for this severance compensation,
EMPLOYEE, on behalf of himself, his agents, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns,
expressly releases and forever discharges COMPANY and its successors and assigns, and all of its
respective agents, directors, officers, partners, employees, representatives, insurers, attorneys,
parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint ventures, and each of them, from any and all
claims based upon acts or events that occurred on or before the date on which EMPLOYEE accepts

 

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the severance compensation, including any claim arising under any state or federal statute or
common law, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. ''
2000e, et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. '' 12101, et
seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. '' 623, et seq.,
the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. '' 2101, et seq.,
and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Cal. Gov’t Code '' 12940, et
seq. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that he is familiar with section 1542 of the California Civil
Code, which reads as follows:

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

EMPLOYEE expressly acknowledges and agrees that he is releasing all known and unknown
claims, and that he is waiving all rights he has or may have under Civil Code Section 1542 or under
any other statute or common law principle of similar effect. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that the
benefits he is receiving in exchange for this Release are more than the benefits to which he
otherwise would have been entitled, and that such benefits constitute valid and adequate
consideration for this Release. EMPLOYEE further acknowledges that he has read this Release,
understands all of its terms, and has consulted with counsel of his choosing before signing this
Agreement.

Severance compensation pursuant to this paragraph shall be in lieu of any other severance
benefit to which EMPLOYEE would otherwise be entitled, either under any provision to this Agreement
or any COMPANY policies in effect on the date of execution of this Agreement. Severance
compensation shall be paid upon termination of EMPLOYEE’s employment and in one lump sum payment
at the date of termination, less applicable withholdings.

Any benefits payable under this Section 4.2.6 shall be delayed to the extent necessary to
comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409(A)(2)(B)(i) (relating to payments made to certain
“specified employees” of certain publicly-traded companies) and in such event, any such amount to
which EMPLOYEE would otherwise be entitled during the six (6) month period immediately following
EMPLOYEE’S separation from service will be paid on the first business day following the expiration
of such six (6) month period.

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.1 Representations of EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE represents and warrants that EMPLOYEE has
all right, power, authority and capacity, and is free to enter into this Agreement; that by doing
so, EMPLOYEE will not violate or interfere with the rights of any other person or entity; and that
EMPLOYEE is not subject to any contract, understanding or obligation that will or might prevent,
interfere with or impair the performance of this Agreement by EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE shall indemnify
and hold COMPANY harmless with respect to any losses, liabilities, demands, claims, fees, expenses,
damages and costs (including attorneys’ fees and court costs) resulting from or arising out of any
claim or action based upon EMPLOYEE’s entering into this Agreement.

5.2 Representations of COMPANY. COMPANY represents and warrants that it has all
right, power and authority, without the consent of any other person, to execute and deliver, and
perform its obligations under, this Agreement. All corporate and other actions required to be
taken by COMPANY to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
consummation of all transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and properly taken. This
Agreement is the lawful, valid and legally binding obligation of COMPANY enforceable in accordance
with its terms.

5.3 Materiality of Representations. The representations, warranties and covenants set
forth in this Agreement shall be deemed to be material and to have been relied upon by the parties
hereto.

 

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6. COVENANTS

6.1 Nondisclosure and Invention Assignment. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that, as a result
of performing the Services, EMPLOYEE shall have access to confidential and sensitive information
concerning COMPANY’s business including, but not limited to, their business operations, sales and
marketing data, and manufacturing processes. EMPLOYEE also acknowledges that in the course of
performing the Services, EMPLOYEE may develop new product ideas or inventions as a result of
COMPANY’s information. Accordingly, to preserve COMPANY’s confidential information and to assure
it the full benefit of that information, EMPLOYEE shall, as a condition of employment with COMPANY,
execute COMPANY’s standard form of Employee Confidentiality Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A,
and execute updated versions of the Employee Confidentiality Agreement as it may be modified from
time to time by COMPANY and as may be required of similarly-situated executives of COMPANY. The
Employee Confidentiality Agreement is incorporated herein by this reference. EMPLOYEE’s
obligations under the Employee Confidentiality Agreement continue beyond the termination of this
Agreement.

6.2 Covenant Not to Compete. In addition to the provisions of the Employee
Confidentiality Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall abide by the following covenant not to compete if
COMPANY, at its option upon the termination of this Agreement (regardless of the reason for the
termination), exercises this Covenant Not to Compete. COMPANY shall notify EMPLOYEE within ten
(10) days of termination of this Agreement of its intention to exercise this option and make an
additional payment to EMPLOYEE of six (6) months’ base pay determined at EMPLOYEE’s last rate of
pay with COMPANY. EMPLOYEE agrees that for a period of one (1) year following the termination of
this Agreement, he shall not directly or indirectly for EMPLOYEE, or as a member of a partnership,
or as an officer, director, stockholder, employee, or representative of any other entity or
individual, engage, directly or indirectly, in any business activity which is the same or similar
to work engaged in by EMPLOYEE on behalf of COMPANY within the same geographic territory as
EMPLOYEE’s work for COMPANY and which is directly competitive with the business conducted or to
EMPLOYEE’s knowledge, contemplated by COMPANY at the time of termination of this Agreement, as
defined in the Employee Confidentiality Agreement incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
EMPLOYEE may accept employment with an entity competing with COMPANY only if the business of that
entity is diversified and EMPLOYEE is employed solely with respect to a separately-managed and
separately-operated part of that entity’s business that does not compete with COMPANY. Prior to
accepting such employment, EMPLOYEE and the prospective employer entity shall provide COMPANY with
written assurances reasonably satisfactory to COMPANY that EMPLOYEE will not render services
directly or indirectly to any part of that entity’s business that competes with the business of
COMPANY.

6.3 Covenant to Deliver Records. All memoranda, notes, records and other documents
made or compiled by EMPLOYEE, or made available to EMPLOYEE during the term of this Agreement
concerning the business of COMPANY, shall be and remain COMPANY’s property and shall be delivered
to COMPANY upon the termination of this Agreement or at any other time on request.

6.4 Covenant Not To Recruit. EMPLOYEE shall not, during the term of this Agreement
and for a period of one (1) year following termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly,
either on EMPLOYEE’s own behalf, or on behalf of any other individual or entity, solicit, interfere
with, induce (or attempt to induce) or endeavor to entice away any employee associated with COMPANY
to become affiliated with him or any other individual or entity.

7. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF COMPANY

7.1 Announcement. COMPANY shall have the right to make public announcements
concerning the execution of this Agreement and certain terms thereof.

7.2 Use of Name, Likeness and Biography. COMPANY shall have the right (but not the
obligation) to use, publish and broadcast, and to authorize others to do so, the name, approved
likeness and approved biographical material of EMPLOYEE to advertise, publicize and promote the
business of COMPANY and its affiliates, but not for the purposes of direct endorsement without
EMPLOYEE’s consent. An “approved likeness” and “approved biographical material” shall be,
respectively, any photograph or other depiction of EMPLOYEE, or any biographical information or
life story concerning the professional career of EMPLOYEE.

7.3 Right to Insure. COMPANY shall have the right to secure in its own name, or
otherwise, and at its own expense, life, health, accident or other insurance covering EMPLOYEE, and
EMPLOYEE shall have no right, title or interest in and to such insurance. EMPLOYEE shall assist COMPANY in procuring
such insurance by submitting to examinations and by signing such applications and other instruments
as may be required by the insurance carriers to which application is made for any such insurance.

 

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8. ASSIGNMENT

Neither party may assign or otherwise dispose of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party except as provided in this Section.
COMPANY may assign and transfer this Agreement, or its interest in this Agreement, to any affiliate
of COMPANY or to any entity that is a party to a merger, reorganization, or consolidation with
COMPANY, or to a subsidiary of COMPANY, or to any entity that acquires substantially all of the
assets of COMPANY or of any division with respect to which EMPLOYEE is providing services
(providing such assignee assumes COMPANY’s obligations under this Agreement). EMPLOYEE shall, if
requested by COMPANY, perform EMPLOYEE’s duties and Services, as specified in this Agreement, for
the benefit of any subsidiary or other affiliate of COMPANY. Upon assignment, acquisition, merger,
consolidation or reorganization, the term “COMPANY” as used herein shall be deemed to refer to such
assignee or successor entity. EMPLOYEE shall not have the right to assign EMPLOYEE’s interest in
this Agreement, any rights under this Agreement, or any duties imposed under this Agreement, nor
shall EMPLOYEE or his spouse, heirs, beneficiaries, executors or administrators have the right to
pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber EMPLOYEE’s right to receive compensation hereunder
without the express written consent of COMPANY.

9. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or in any way
relating to the employment of EMPLOYEE which leads to the filing of a lawsuit, the parties agree
that venue and jurisdiction shall be in Santa Barbara County, California. The prevailing party in
any such litigation shall be entitled to an award of costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees to be
paid by the losing party.

10. GENERAL PROVISIONS

10.1 Notices. Notice under this Agreement shall be sufficient only if personally
delivered by a major commercial paid delivery courier service or mailed by certified or registered
mail (return receipt requested and postage pre-paid) to the other party at its address set forth in
the signature block below or to such other address as may be designated by either party in writing.
If not received sooner, notices by mail shall be deemed received five (5) days after deposit in
the United States mail.

10.2 Agreement Controls. Unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the
COMPANY’s policies, procedures and practices shall govern the relationship between EMPLOYEE and
COMPANY. If, however, any of COMPANY’s policies, procedures and/or practices conflict with this
Agreement (together with any amendments hereto), this Agreement (and any amendments hereto) shall
control.

10.3 Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified
and the observance of any provision may be waived (either retroactively or prospectively) only by
written consent of the parties. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement
shall not be construed as a waiver of that party’s right to enforce such provision.

10.4 Governing Law. This Agreement and the performance hereunder shall be interpreted
under the substantive laws of the State of California.

10.5 Force Majeure. Either party shall be temporarily excused from performing under
this Agreement if any force majeure or other occurrence beyond the reasonable control of either
party makes such performance impossible, except a Disability as defined in this Agreement, provided
that the party subject to the force majeure provides notice of such force majeure at the first
reasonable opportunity. Under such circumstances, performance under this Agreement which related
to the delay shall be suspended for the duration of the delay provided the delayed party shall
resume performance of its obligations with due diligence once the delaying event subsides. In case of any such suspension, the parties shall use their best efforts to overcome the cause
and effect of such suspension.

 

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10.6 Remedies. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that because of the nature of COMPANY’s
business, and the fact that the services to be performed by EMPLOYEE pursuant to this Agreement are
of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary, and intellectual character which give them a peculiar
value, a breach of this Agreement shall cause substantial injury to COMPANY for which money damages
cannot reasonably be ascertained and for which money damages would be inadequate. EMPLOYEE
therefore agrees that COMPANY shall have the right to obtain injunctive relief, including the right
to have the provisions of this Agreement specifically enforced by any court having equity
jurisdiction, in addition to any other remedies that COMPANY may have.

10.7 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant, paragraph, or condition of this
Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction,
that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so this Agreement
shall otherwise remain enforceable in full force and effect.

10.8 Construction. Headings and captions are only for convenience and shall not
affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the context requires, words,
used in the singular shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, and pronouns of any
gender shall be deemed to include the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender.

10.9 Counterpart Copies. This Agreement may be signed in counterpart copies, each of
which shall represent an original document, and all of which shall constitute a single document.

10.10 No Adverse Construction. The rule that a contract is to be construed against
the party drafting the contract is hereby waived, and shall have no applicability in construing
this Agreement or the terms hereof.

10.11 Entire Agreement. With respect to its subject matter, namely, the employment by
COMPANY of EMPLOYEE, this Agreement (including the documents expressly incorporated therein, such
as the Employee Confidentiality Agreement), contains the entire understanding between the parties,
and supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, and communications between the parties,
whether oral, written, implied or otherwise, including, but not limited to, the original offer of
employment letter.

10.12 Assistance of Counsel. EMPLOYEE expressly acknowledges that he was given the
right to be represented by counsel of his own choosing in connection with the terms of this
Agreement.

The parties execute this Agreement as of the date stated below:

	 	 	 	 	 
	EMPLOYEE/DATE	 	MENTOR CORPORATION/DATE
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/Joseph A. Newcomb 12/21/07

	 	By:
	 	/s/Joshua Levine 12/21/07
	 

	 	 	 	 
	JOSEPH A. NEWCOMB/Date

	 	 	 	Joshua Levine/Date
	 

	 	 	 	President/CEO
	 

	 	 	 	Mentor Corporation
	 
	 	 	 	 
	NOTICE ADDRESS:	 	NOTICE ADDRESS:
	 	 	201 Mentor Drive
	 	 	Santa Barbara, California 93111

 

9Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance

 

Exhibit 10.10

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 

This Employment Agreement, effective as of February 5, 2007, is by and between MENTOR
Corporation (“COMPANY”), with its executive offices at 201 Mentor Drive, Santa Barbara, California
93111, and EDWARD S. NORTHUP (“EMPLOYEE.”) Effective as of December 21, 2007, the Agreement is
amended and restated in its entirety.

RECITALS

COMPANY is in the business of manufacturing, distributing and selling medical devices and
related products. EMPLOYEE has experience in this business and possesses valuable skills and
experience, which will be used in advancing COMPANY’s interests. EMPLOYEE is willing to be engaged
by COMPANY and COMPANY is willing to engage EMPLOYEE in an executive capacity responsible for ALL
OPERATING functions of COMPANY, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

AGREEMENT

EMPLOYEE and COMPANY, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1. SERVICES

1.1 General Services.

1.1.1 COMPANY shall employ EMPLOYEE as CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. EMPLOYEE shall have
such duties, authorities and responsibilities commensurate with the duties,
authorities and responsibilities of persons in similar capacities in similarly sized
companies and such other duties and responsibilities as the Board of Directors of
the COMPANY (the “Board”) shall designate that are consistent with the EMPLOYEE’s
position as CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER of the COMPANY. To the extent that they do not
materially reduce the scope of the responsibilities described above, EMPLOYEE’s
duties may change from time to time on reasonable notice, based on the needs of
COMPANY and EMPLOYEE’s skills as determined by COMPANY. These duties shall
hereinafter be referred to as “Services.” EMPLOYEE shall report directly to the
President/CEO of the COMPANY or, from time to time, to a designee of the
President/CEO, provided that (i) EMPLOYEE’s Services, as described above, remain
materially unchanged and (ii) the changed reporting structure is consistent with
reporting and organizational structures that exist from time to time in similarly
sized companies.

1.1.2 In the event that EMPLOYEE shall from time to time serve COMPANY as a
director or shall serve in any other office during the term of this Agreement;
EMPLOYEE shall serve in such capacities without further compensation.

1.1.3. EMPLOYEE shall devote his entire working time, attention, and energies to
the business of COMPANY, and shall not, during the term of this Agreement, be
engaged in any other business activity whether or not such business activity is
pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage, without the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors of COMPANY. This shall not be construed as
preventing EMPLOYEE from investing his assets in a form or manner that does not
require any services on the part of EMPLOYEE in the operation or affairs of the
entities in which such investments are made, or from engaging in such civic,
charitable, religious, or political activities that do not interfere with the
performance of EMPLOYEE’s duties hereunder.

1.2 Best Abilities. EMPLOYEE shall serve COMPANY faithfully and to the best of
EMPLOYEE’s ability. EMPLOYEE shall use EMPLOYEE’s best abilities to perform the Services.
EMPLOYEE shall act at all times according to what EMPLOYEE reasonably believes is in the
best interests of COMPANY.

1.3 Corporate Authority. EMPLOYEE, as an executive officer, shall comply with all
laws and regulations applicable to EMPLOYEE as a result of this Agreement, including, but
not limited to, the
Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Act of 1934. Prior to the execution of this Agreement,
EMPLOYEE has received and reviewed COMPANY’s Policies and Procedures and COMPANY’s Employee
Handbook. EMPLOYEE shall comply with COMPANY’s Policies and Procedures, and practices now
in effect or as later amended or adopted by COMPANY, as required of similarly-situated
executives of COMPANY.

 

 

 

2. TERM

This Agreement shall commence upon the execution of this Agreement (the “Effective Date”) and
shall have an initial term of three (3) years unless terminated as provided in Section 4 of this
Agreement. On the third anniversary of the Effective Date, this Agreement automatically will renew
for an additional three-year term, unless either party provides the other party with written notice
of non-renewal at least 120 days prior to the date of the automatic renewal. In the event that the
COMPANY provides written notice of non-renewal to the EMPLOYEE as provided in the preceding
sentence, then EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to the payments described in Section 4.2.5 below as of
the date of the expiration of this Agreement..

3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

3.1 Compensation. EMPLOYEE’s total compensation consists of base salary, bonus
potential, stock options, and medical and other benefits generally provided to employees of
COMPANY. Any compensation paid to EMPLOYEE shall be pursuant to COMPANY’s policies and
practices for exempt employees and shall be subject to all applicable laws and requirements
regarding the withholding of federal, state and/or local taxes. Compensation provided in
this Agreement is full payment for Services and EMPLOYEE shall receive no additional
compensation for extraordinary services unless otherwise authorized. EMPLOYEE’s entire
compensation package will be reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors, a practice which is consistent with COMPANY’s Executive Compensation Program.

	 	3.1.1	 	Base Compensation. COMPANY agrees to pay EMPLOYEE an annualized base
salary of Four Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($415,000.) less applicable
withholdings, payable in equal installments no less frequently than semi-monthly.

	 	3.1.2	 	Cash Incentive Bonus. EMPLOYEE shall be eligible to
participate in the COMPANY’s Incentive Bonus Plans, as in effect from time to
time, for an annual or more frequent cash incentive bonus, subject to
applicable withholdings, of SEVENTY-FIVE (75) Percent of EMPLOYEE’s annual base
salary, for achievement of target-level performance, and a maximum bonus of not
less than NINETY-SEVEN AND ONE-HALF (97.5) Percent of EMPLOYEE’s base salary
for achievement of extraordinary performance thereunder, and subject to
approval by COMPANY’s Compensation Committee of the Board/Chief Executive
Officer. Any cash incentive bonus shall accrue and become payable to EMPLOYEE
only if EMPLOYEE is employed with COMPANY on the last day of the fiscal year
for which the cash incentive bonus is calculated.

	 	3.1.3	 	Stock Options. Based upon satisfactory performance,
under the Plan, COMPANY expects that EMPLOYEE will qualify for grants of
options to acquire common stock of COMPANY subject to determination by the
Board of Directors, of an amount which is consistent with COMPANY’s Executive
Compensation Program. Any such grants shall also be subject to performance
considerations as well as the determination of the Board of Directors.

3.2 Business Expenses. COMPANY shall reimburse EMPLOYEE for business expenses
reasonably incurred in performing Services according to COMPANY’s Expense Reimbursement
Policy.

3.3 Additional Benefits. COMPANY shall provide EMPLOYEE those additional benefits
normally granted by COMPANY to its employees subject to eligibility requirements applicable
to each benefit. COMPANY has no obligation to provide any other benefits unless provided
for in this Agreement.
Currently COMPANY provides major medical, dental, life, salary continuation, long term
disability benefits and eligibility to participate in COMPANY’s 401(k) plan.

 

2

 

3.4 Vacation. EMPLOYEE shall accrue vacation equal to TWENTY (20) days per year, at
the rate of approximately 1.67 days per month. The time or times for such vacation shall be
selected by EMPLOYEE and approved by the President and Chief Executive Officer of COMPANY.

4. TERMINATION

4.1 Circumstances Of Termination. This Agreement and the employment relationship
between COMPANY and EMPLOYEE may be terminated as follows:

	 	4.1.1	 	Death. This Agreement shall terminate upon EMPLOYEE’s
death, effective as of the date of EMPLOYEE’s death.

	 	4.1.2	 	Disability. COMPANY may, at its option, either
suspend compensation payments or terminate this Agreement due to EMPLOYEE’s
Disability if EMPLOYEE is incapable, even with reasonable accommodation by
COMPANY, of performing the Services because of accident, injury, or physical or
mental illness for ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) consecutive days, or is unable or
shall have failed to perform the Services for a total period of ONE HUNDRED
EIGHTY (180) within a TWELVE (12) month period, regardless of whether such days
are consecutive. If COMPANY suspends compensation payments because of
EMPLOYEE’s Disability, COMPANY shall resume compensation payments when EMPLOYEE
resumes performance of the Services. If COMPANY elects to terminate this
Agreement due to EMPLOYEE’s Disability, it must first give EMPLOYEE TEN (10)
WORKING days advance written notice.

	 	4.1.3	 	Discontinuance Of Business. If COMPANY discontinues
operating its business, this Agreement shall terminate as of the last day of
the month on which COMPANY ceases its entire operations with the same effect as
if that last date were originally established as termination date of this
Agreement.

	 	4.1.4	 	For Cause. COMPANY may terminate this Agreement
without advance notice for Cause. For the purpose of this Agreement, “Cause”
shall mean any failure to comply in any material respect with this Agreement or
any Agreement incorporated herein; personal or professional misconduct by
EMPLOYEE (including, but not limited to, criminal activity or gross or willful
neglect of duty); breach of EMPLOYEE’s fiduciary duty to the COMPANY; conduct
which threatens public health or safety, or threatens to do immediate or
substantial harm to COMPANY’s business or reputation; or any other misconduct,
deficiency, failure of performance, breach or default, reasonably capable of
being remedied or corrected by EMPLOYEE. To the extent that a breach pursuant
to this Section 4.1.4 is curable by EMPLOYEE without harm to COMPANY and/or
it’s reputation, COMPANY shall, instead of immediately terminating EMPLOYEE
pursuant to this Agreement, provide EMPLOYEE with notice of such breach,
specifying the actions required to cure such breach, and EMPLOYEE shall have
ten (10) days to cure such breach by performing the actions so specified. If
EMPLOYEE fails to cure such breach within the ten (10) day period COMPANY may
terminate this Agreement without further notice. COMPANY’s exercise of its
right to terminate under this section shall be without prejudice to any other
remedy to which COMPANY may be entitled at law, in equity, or under this
Agreement.

 

3

 

	 	4.1.5.	 	Resignation by EMPLOYEE for Good Reason. This Agreement and
employment relationship is terminable by either party, with or without cause,
including but not limited to resignation by EMPLOYEE for Good Reason, at any
time upon THIRTY (30) days’ advance written notice to the other party. For
purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of
the following without EMPLOYEE’s
express written consent: (i) a significant reduction of EMPLOYEE’s material
duties, authorities or responsibilities as provided in this Agreement;
provided however, except in the Change of Control context, EMPLOYEE’s
reporting structure may be realigned at any time, as described in Section
1.1.1, without triggering this definition of Good Reason; (ii) a material
reduction in Base Compensation or Cash Incentive Bonus other than a one-time
reduction of not more than 10% that also is applied to substantially all
other senior executives at the COMPANY; (iii) EMPLOYEE must perform a
significant portion of his duties at a location more than 50 miles from
COMPANY headquarters; or (iv) COMPANY headquarters are relocated more than
50 miles from the current location in Santa Barbara, California.

	 	4.1.6.	 	Change of Control. If employment is terminated within TWELVE (12)
months after the occurrence of any of the events described as a Change of
Control under the provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan as then defined at
the time of such Change of Control, EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to severance
compensation pursuant to Sections 4.2.6 (i) through 4.2.6(v).

4.2 EMPLOYEE’s Rights Upon Termination

	 	4.2.1	 	Death. Upon termination of this Agreement because of
death of EMPLOYEE pursuant to Section 4.1.1 above, COMPANY shall have no
further obligation to EMPLOYEE under the Agreement except to distribute to
EMPLOYEE’s estate or designated beneficiary any unpaid compensation and
reimbursable expenses, less applicable withholdings, owed to EMPLOYEE prior to
the date of EMPLOYEE’s death.

	 	4.2.2	 	Disability. Upon termination of this Agreement
because of Disability of EMPLOYEE pursuant to Sections 4.1.2 above, COMPANY
shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE under the Agreement except to
distribute to EMPLOYEE’s estate or designated beneficiary any unpaid
compensation and reimbursable expenses, less applicable withholdings, owed to
EMPLOYEE prior to the date of EMPLOYEE’s termination due to Disability.

	 	4.2.3	 	Discontinuance Of Business. Upon termination of this
Agreement because of discontinuation of COMPANY’s business pursuant to Section
4.1.3, COMPANY shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE under the Agreement
except to distribute to EMPLOYEE any unpaid compensation and reimbursable
expenses, less applicable withholdings, owed to EMPLOYEE prior to the date of
termination of this Agreement.

	 	4.2.4	 	Voluntary Termination without Good Reason;
Termination With Cause. Upon voluntary termination of EMPLOYEE’s
employment by EMPLOYEE without Good Reason or termination of EMPLOYEE’s
employment for Cause pursuant to Section 4.1.4, COMPANY shall have no further
obligation to EMPLOYEE under this Agreement except to distribute to EMPLOYEE:

i. Any compensation and reimbursable expenses owed to EMPLOYEE by COMPANY
through the termination date, less applicable withholdings; and

ii. Severance compensation as provided for in COMPANY’s Severance Policy,
if any, less applicable withholdings.

	 	4.2.5	 	Termination Without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason;
Non-renewal of Agreement by COMPANY. Upon termination of EMPLOYEE’s
employment by COMPANY without Cause pursuant to Section 4.1.4, or if EMPLOYEE
terminates this Agreement at any time for Good Reason, or if Company does not
renew the term of the Agreement as provided in Section 2 above, then COMPANY
shall have no further obligation to EMPLOYEE under this Agreement except to
distribute to EMPLOYEE:

 

4

 

	 	i.	 	Any compensation then due EMPLOYEE in
accordance with Section 3.1.1 , and reimbursable expenses owed by
COMPANY to EMPLOYEE through the termination date, less applicable
withholdings; and

	 	ii.	 	Reimbursement of full COBRA premium for
TWENTY-FOUR (24) months following termination. Should EMPLOYEE
discontinue COBRA coverage or elect alternative coverage, a cash
payment will not be provided in lieu of payment of premium;

	 	iii.	 	A pro-rated share of the Cash Incentive Bonus
that would be due to EMPLOYEE if EMPLOYEE had remained employed with
COMPANY through the last day of the fiscal year for which the cash
incentive bonus is calculated, less applicable withholdings and/or any
other applicable bonus or compensation program as approved by the Board
of Directors; and

	 	iv.	 	Severance compensation totaling TWENTY-FOUR-
(24) months base pay, determined at EMPLOYEE’s then-current rate of
base pay; however, EMPLOYEE may elect to accept a lesser amount of
severance than stipulated if EMPLOYEE deems it beneficial to him/her in
light of various income and excise tax considerations. In consideration
for this severance compensation, EMPLOYEE, on behalf of himself, his
agents, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, expressly
releases and forever discharges COMPANY and its successors and assigns,
and all of its respective agents, directors, officers, partners,
employees, representatives, insurers, attorneys, parent companies,
subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint ventures, and each of them, from
any and all claims based upon acts or events that occurred on or before
the date on which EMPLOYEE accepts the severance compensation,
including any claim arising under any state or federal statute or
common law, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. “ 2000e, et seq., the Americans
with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. “ 12101, et seq., the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. “ 623, et. seq.,
the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. “
2101, et. seq., and the California Fair Employment and Housing
Act, Cal. Gov’t Code “ 12940, et seq. EMPLOYEE acknowledges
that he is familiar with section 1542 of the California Civil Code,
which reads as follows:

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

EMPLOYEE expressly acknowledges and agrees that he is releasing all
known and unknown claims, and that he is waiving all rights he has or
may have under Civil Code Section 1542 or under any other statute or
common law principle of similar effect. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that
the benefits he is receiving in exchange for this Release are more
than the benefits to which he otherwise would have been entitled, and
that such benefits constitute valid and adequate consideration for
this Release. EMPLOYEE further acknowledges that he has read this
Release, understands all of its terms, and has consulted with counsel
of his choosing before signing this Agreement.

 

5

 

Severance compensation pursuant to this paragraph shall be in lieu of
any other severance benefit to which EMPLOYEE would otherwise be
entitled, under either any other provision to this Agreement or any
COMPANY policies in effect on the date of execution of this
Agreement. During the first six (6) months after termination,
EMPLOYEE’s severance compensation shall accrue, payable in one lump
sum payment, less applicable withholdings, on the seventh month after
termination, subject to the Internal Revenue Service guidance
providing that the imposition of tax under Internal Revenue Code
Section 409A does not apply to such payments.

	 	4.2.6	 	Termination Due to Change Of Control.  If employment
is terminated within TWELVE (12) months AFTER any of the events delineated in
Section 4.1.6 of this Agreement (“Change of Control”), COMPANY shall have no
further obligation to EMPLOYEE under this Agreement except to distribute to
EMPLOYEE:

	 	i.	 	Any compensation then due EMPLOYEE in
accordance with Section 3.1.1 and reimbursable expenses owed by
COMPANY to EMPLOYEE through the termination date, less applicable
withholdings; and

	 	ii.	 	A ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) of the Cash
Incentive Bonus that would be due to EMPLOYEE if EMPLOYEE had remained
employed with COMPANY through the last day of the fiscal year for which
the cash incentive bonus is calculated, less applicable withholdings
and/or any other applicable bonus or compensation program as approved
by the Board of Directors; and

	 	iii.	 	Any options awarded and pursuant to the
Long-Term Incentive Plan applicable to EMPLOYEE’s option award(s); and

	 	iv.	 	Reimbursement of full COBRA premium for
TWENTY-FOUR (24) months following termination. Should EMPLOYEE
discontinue COBRA coverage or elect alternative coverage, a cash
payment will not be provided in lieu of payment of premium; and

	 	v.	 	Severance compensation totaling TWENTY-FOUR
(24) months base pay, determined at EMPLOYEE’s then-current rate of
base pay; however, EMPLOYEE may elect to accept a lesser amount of
severance than stipulated if EMPLOYEE deems it beneficial to him/her in
light of various income and excise tax considerations. In consideration
for this severance compensation, EMPLOYEE, on behalf of himself, his
agents, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, expressly
releases and forever discharges COMPANY and its successors and assigns,
and all of its respective agents, directors, officers, partners,
employees, representatives, insurers, attorneys, parent companies,
subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint ventures, and each of them, from
any and all claims based upon acts or events that occurred on or before
the date on which EMPLOYEE accepts the severance compensation,
including any claim arising under any state or federal statute or
common law, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. '' 2000e, et seq., the
Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. '' 12101, et
seq., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. ''
623, et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. '' 2101, et seq., and the
California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Cal. Gov’t Code '' 12940,
et seq. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that he is familiar with
section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which reads as follows:

 

6

 

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

EMPLOYEE expressly acknowledges and agrees that he is releasing all
known and unknown claims, and that he is waiving all rights he has or
may have under Civil Code Section 1542 or under any other statute or
common law principle of similar effect. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that
the benefits he is receiving in exchange for this Release are more
than the benefits to which he otherwise would have been entitled, and
that such benefits constitute valid and adequate consideration for
this Release. EMPLOYEE further acknowledges that he has read this
Release, understands all of its terms, and has consulted with counsel
of his choosing before signing this Agreement.

Severance compensation pursuant to this paragraph shall be in lieu of
any other severance benefit to which EMPLOYEE would otherwise be
entitled, either under any provision to this Agreement or any COMPANY
policies in effect on the date of execution of this Agreement.
During the first six (6) months after termination, EMPLOYEE’s
severance compensation shall accrue, payable in one lump sum payment,
less applicable withholdings, on the seventh month after termination,
subject to the Internal Revenue Service guidance providing that the
imposition of tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A does not
apply to such payments.

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.1 Representations of EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE represents and warrants that EMPLOYEE
has all right, power, authority and capacity, and is free to enter into this Agreement; that
by doing so, EMPLOYEE will not violate or interfere with the rights of any other person or
entity; and that EMPLOYEE is not subject to any contract, understanding or obligation that
will or might prevent, interfere with or impair the performance of this Agreement by
EMPLOYEE. EMPLOYEE shall indemnify and hold COMPANY harmless with respect to any losses,
liabilities, demands, claims, fees, expenses, damages and costs (including attorneys’ fees
and court costs) resulting from or arising out of any claim or action based upon EMPLOYEE’s
entering into this Agreement.

5.2 Representations of COMPANY. COMPANY represents and warrants that it has all
right, power and authority, without the consent of any other person, to execute and deliver,
and perform its obligations under, this Agreement. All corporate and other actions required
to be taken by COMPANY to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of all transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and
properly taken. This Agreement is the lawful, valid and legally binding obligation of
COMPANY enforceable in accordance with its terms.

5.3 Materiality of Representations. The representations, warranties and covenants
set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed to be material and to have been relied upon by
the parties hereto.

6. COVENANTS

6.1 Nondisclosure and Invention Assignment. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that, as a
result of performing the Services, EMPLOYEE shall have access to confidential and sensitive
information concerning COMPANY’s business including, but not limited to, their business
operations, sales and marketing data, and manufacturing processes. EMPLOYEE also
acknowledges that in the course of performing the Services, EMPLOYEE may develop new product
ideas or inventions as a result of COMPANY’s information. Accordingly, to preserve
COMPANY’s confidential information and to assure it the full benefit of that information,
EMPLOYEE shall, as a condition of employment with COMPANY, execute

 

7

 

COMPANY’s standard form of Employee Confidentiality Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A,
and execute updated versions of the Employee Confidentiality Agreement as it may be modified
from time to time by COMPANY and as may be required of similarly-situated executives of
COMPANY. The Employee Confidentiality Agreement is incorporated herein by this reference.
EMPLOYEE’s obligations under the Employee Confidentiality Agreement continue beyond the
termination of this Agreement.

6.2 Covenant Not to Compete. EMPLOYEE agrees that solely in the event of the sale
or acquisition of the COMPANY, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law,
EMPLOYEE shall abide by the following covenant not to compete. The sale or acquisition of
the COMPANY shall include the COMPANY’s sale of its goodwill, or its sale of all or
substantially all of its operating assets, together with the goodwill, or its sale or other
disposition of its ownership interest in COMPANY or as otherwise provided in California
Business and Professions Code Section 16601. The covenant not to compete shall exist only
in the event that following the termination of this Agreement (and only in the event of the
sale or acquisition of the COMPANY), the COMPANY elects, at its sole discretion, to invoke
its restrictions. To exercise this covenant not to compete, the COMPANY shall notify
EMPLOYEE within ten (10) days of termination of this Agreement of its intention to exercise
this option and make an additional payment to EMPLOYEE of TWELVE (12) months’ base monthly
salary determined at EMPLOYEE’s last rate of base monthly salary (and not including any
bonus for which the EMPLOYEE may be eligible) with COMPANY. Pursuant to this covenant not
to compete, EMPLOYEE agrees that for a period of one (1) year following the termination date
of this Agreement, EMPLOYEE shall not directly or indirectly for EMPLOYEE, or as a member of
a partnership, or as an officer, director, stockholder, employee, or representative of any
other entity or individual, engage, directly or indirectly, in any business activity which
is the same or similar to work engaged in by EMPLOYEE on behalf of COMPANY within the same
geographic territory where the COMPANY carries on or conducts business, and which is
directly competitive with the business conducted or to EMPLOYEE’s knowledge, contemplated by
COMPANY at the time of termination of this Agreement, (other than investments in
professionally managed funds over which the EMPLOYEE does not have control or discretion in
investment decisions and investments in publicly traded companies, so long as EMPLOYEE’S
beneficial ownership does not exceed 2% of the public companies outstanding voting stock).
EMPLOYEE may accept employment with an entity competing with COMPANY only if the business of
that entity is diversified and EMPLOYEE is employed solely with respect to a
separately-managed and separately-operated part of that entity’s business that does not
compete with COMPANY.

Prior to accepting such employment, EMPLOYEE and the prospective employer entity shall
provide COMPANY with written assurances reasonably satisfactory to COMPANY that EMPLOYEE
will not render services directly or indirectly to any part of that entity’s business that
competes with the business of COMPANY.

EMPLOYEE acknowledges that (i) EMPLOYEE is familiar with the foregoing covenant not to
compete; (ii) EMPLOYEE is an officer and key member of the management of COMPANY; (iii)
EMPLOYEE is a shareholder of the COMPANY; (iv) the goodwill associated with the existing
business, customers and assets of COMPANY prior to any sale or acquisition of the COMPANY is
an integral component of the value of COMPANY; and (v) EMPLOYEE’s agreement as set forth
herein is necessary and reasonable with respect to its length of time, scope and geographic
coverage, in order to protect the goodwill related to the COMPANY in connection with its
sale or acquisition.

6.3 Covenant to Deliver Records. All memoranda, notes, records and other documents
made or compiled by EMPLOYEE, or made available to EMPLOYEE during the term of this
Agreement concerning the business of COMPANY, shall be and remain COMPANY’s property and
shall be delivered to COMPANY upon the termination of this Agreement or at any other time on
request.

6.4 Covenant Not To Recruit. EMPLOYEE shall not, during the term of this Agreement
and for a period of one (1) year following termination of this Agreement, directly or
indirectly, either on EMPLOYEE’s own behalf, or on behalf of any other individual or entity,
solicit, interfere with, induce (or attempt to induce) or endeavor to entice away any
employee associated with COMPANY to become affiliated with him or any other individual or
entity.

 

8

 

7. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF COMPANY

7.1 Announcement. COMPANY shall have the right to make public announcements
concerning the execution of this Agreement and certain terms thereof.

7.2 Use of Name, Likeness and Biography. COMPANY shall have the right (but not the
obligation) to use, publish and broadcast, and to authorize others to do so, the name,
approved likeness and approved biographical material of EMPLOYEE to advertise, publicize and
promote the business of COMPANY and its affiliates, but not for the purposes of direct
endorsement without EMPLOYEE’s consent. An “approved likeness” and “approved biographical
material” shall be, respectively, any photograph or other depiction of EMPLOYEE, or any
biographical information or life story concerning the professional career of EMPLOYEE.

7.3 Right to Insure. COMPANY shall have the right to secure in its own name, or
otherwise, and at its own expense, life, health, accident or other insurance covering
EMPLOYEE, and EMPLOYEE shall have no right, title or interest in and to such insurance.
EMPLOYEE shall assist COMPANY in procuring such insurance by submitting to examinations and
by signing such applications and other instruments as may be required by the insurance
carriers to which application is made for any such insurance.

8. ASSIGNMENT

Neither party may assign or otherwise dispose of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party except as provided in this Section.
COMPANY may assign and transfer this Agreement, or its interest in this Agreement, to any affiliate
of COMPANY or to any entity that is a party to a merger, reorganization, or consolidation with
COMPANY, or to a subsidiary of COMPANY, or to any entity that acquires substantially all of the
assets of COMPANY or of any division with respect to which EMPLOYEE is providing services
(providing such assignee assumes COMPANY’s obligations under this Agreement). EMPLOYEE shall, if
requested by COMPANY, perform EMPLOYEE’s duties and Services, as specified in this Agreement, for
the benefit of any subsidiary or other affiliate of COMPANY. Upon assignment, acquisition, merger,
consolidation or reorganization, the term “COMPANY” as used herein shall be deemed to refer to such
assignee or successor entity. EMPLOYEE shall not have the right to assign EMPLOYEE’s interest in
this Agreement, any rights under this Agreement, or any duties imposed under this Agreement, nor
shall EMPLOYEE or his spouse, heirs, beneficiaries, executors or administrators have the right to
pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber EMPLOYEE’s right to receive compensation hereunder
without the express written consent of COMPANY.

9. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or in any way
relating to the employment of EMPLOYEE which leads to the filing of a lawsuit, the parties agree
that venue and jurisdiction shall be in Santa Barbara County, California. The prevailing party in
any such litigation shall be entitled to an award of costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees to be
paid by the losing party.

10. GENERAL PROVISIONS

10.1 Notices. Notice under this Agreement shall be sufficient only if personally
delivered by a major commercial paid delivery courier service or mailed by certified or
registered mail (return receipt requested and postage pre-paid) to the other party at its
address set forth in the signature block below or to such other address as may be designated
by either party in writing. If not received sooner, notices by mail shall be deemed
received five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail.

10.2 Agreement Controls. Unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the
COMPANY’s policies, procedures and practices shall govern the relationship between EMPLOYEE
and COMPANY. If, however, any of COMPANY’s policies, procedures and/or practices conflict
with this Agreement (together with any amendments hereto), this Agreement (and any
amendments hereto) shall control.

 

9

 

10.3 Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or
modified and the observance of any provision may be waived (either retroactively or
prospectively) only by written consent of the parties. Either party’s failure to enforce
any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of that party’s right to
enforce such provision.

10.4 Governing Law. This Agreement and the performance hereunder shall be
interpreted under the substantive laws of the State of California.

10.5 Force Majeure. Either party shall be temporarily excused from performing
under this Agreement if any force majeure or other occurrence beyond the reasonable control
of either party makes such performance impossible, except a Disability as defined in this
Agreement, provided that the party subject to the force majeure provides notice of such
force majeure at the first reasonable opportunity. Under such circumstances, performance
under this Agreement which related to the delay shall be suspended for the duration of the
delay provided the delayed party shall resume performance of its obligations with due
diligence once the delaying event subsides. In case of any such suspension, the parties
shall use their best efforts to overcome the cause and effect of such suspension.

10.6 Remedies. EMPLOYEE acknowledges that because of the nature of COMPANY’s
business, and the fact that the services to be performed by EMPLOYEE pursuant to this
Agreement are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary, and intellectual character which
give them a peculiar value, a breach of this Agreement shall cause substantial injury to
COMPANY for which money damages cannot reasonably be ascertained and for which money damages
would be inadequate. EMPLOYEE therefore agrees that COMPANY shall have the right to obtain
injunctive relief, including the right to have the provisions of this Agreement specifically
enforced by any court having equity jurisdiction, in addition to any other remedies that
COMPANY may have.

10.7 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant, paragraph, or condition of
this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by any court of competent
jurisdiction, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary
so this Agreement shall otherwise remain enforceable in full force and effect.

10.8 Construction. Headings and captions are only for convenience and shall not
affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the context requires,
words, used in the singular shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, and
pronouns of any gender shall be deemed to include the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender.

10.9 Counterpart Copies. This Agreement may be signed in counterpart copies, each
of which shall represent an original document, and all of which shall constitute a single
document.

10.10 No Adverse Construction. The rule that a contract is to be construed against
the party drafting the contract is hereby waived, and shall have no applicability in
construing this Agreement or the terms hereof.

10.11 Entire Agreement. With respect to its subject matter, namely, the employment
by COMPANY of EMPLOYEE, this Agreement (including the documents expressly incorporated
therein, such as the Employee Confidentiality Agreement and the offer of employment letter
dated December, 14, 2006), contains the entire understanding between the parties, and
supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, and communications between the parties,
whether oral, written, implied or otherwise.

 

10

 

10.12 Assistance of Counsel. EMPLOYEE expressly acknowledges that he was given the
right to be represented by counsel of his own choosing in connection with the terms of this
Agreement.

The parties execute this Agreement as of the date stated below:

	 	 	 	 	 
	EMPLOYEE/DATE	 	MENTOR CORPORATION/DATE
	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/Edward S. Northup 12/27/07

	 	By:
	 	/s/Joseph A. Newcomb 12/27/07
	 

	 	 	 	 
	EDWARD S. NORTHUP/Date

	 	 	 	Joseph A. Newcomb/Date
	 

	 	 	 	Vice President
	 

	 	 	 	General Counsel
	 

	 	 	 	Mentor Corporation
	 
	 	 	 	 
	NOTICE ADDRESS:	 	NOTICE ADDRESS:
	 	 	201 Mentor Drive
	 	 	Santa Barbara, California 93111

 

11

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