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Exhibit 10.72

WELLS FARGO BANK | REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT NOTE
$7,000,000.00 | West Covina, California October 31, 2000

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Staar Surgical Company ("Borrower") promises to pay to the order of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank") at its office at San Gabriel Valley RCBO, 1000 Lakes Drive, Suite 250, West Covina, CA 91790, or at such other place as the holder hereof may designate, in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately available funds, the principal sum of $7,000,000.00, or so much thereof as may be advanced and be outstanding, with interest thereon, to be computed on each advance from the date of its disbursement as set forth herein.

INTEREST:

(a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate in effect from time to time. The "Prime Rate" is a base rate that Bank from time to time establishes and which serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto. Each change in the rate of interest hereunder shall become effective on the date each Prime Rate change is announced within Bank.

(b) Payment of Interest. Interest accrued on this Note shall be payable on the 1st day of each month, commencing November 1, 2000.

(c) Default Interest. From and after the maturity date of this Note, or such earlier date as all principal owing hereunder becomes due and payable by acceleration or otherwise, the outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest until paid in full at an increased rate per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) equal to 4% above the rate of interest from time to time applicable to this Note.

BORROWING AND REPAYMENT:

(a) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the term of this Note borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions of this Note and of any document executed in connection with or governing this Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under this Note shall not at any time exceed the principal amount stated above. The unpaid principal balance of this obligation at any time shall be the total amounts advanced hereunder by the holder hereof less the amount of principal payments made hereon by or for any Borrower, which balance may be endorsed hereon from time to time by the holder. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable in full on April 1, 2001.

(b) Advances. Advances hereunder, to the total amount of the principal sum available hereunder, may be made by the holder at the oral or written request of (i) John Santos, any one acting alone, who are authorized to request advances and direct the disposition of any advances until written notice of the revocation of such authority is received by the holder at the office designated above, or (ii) any person, with respect to advances deposited to the credit of any deposit account of any Borrower, which advances, when so deposited, shall be conclusively presumed to have been made to or for the benefit of each Borrower regardless of the fact that persons other than those authorized to

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request advances may have authority to draw against such account. The holder shall have no obligation to determine whether any person requesting an advance is or has been authorized by any Borrower.

(c) Application of Payments. Each payment made on this Note shall be credited first, to any interest then due and second, to the outstanding principal balance hereof.

(d) Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note as of the date first written above.

|  | STAAR SURGICAL COMPANY
|  | By: |  | /s/ JOHN SANTOS John Santos, Chief Financial Officer

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EXHIBIT "A"

WELLS FARGO BANK | REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT NOTE
$7,000,000.00 | West Covina, California October 31, 2000

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Staar Surgical Company ("Borrower") promises to pay to the order of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank") at its office at San Gabriel Valley RCBO, 1000 Lakes Drive, Suite 250, West Covina, CA 91790, or at such other place as the holder hereof may designate, in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately available funds, the principal sum of $7,000,000.00, or so much thereof as may be advanced and be outstanding, with interest thereon, to be computed on each advance from the date of its disbursement as set forth herein.

INTEREST:

(a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate in effect from time to time. The "Prime Rate" is a base rate that Bank from time to time establishes and which serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto. Each change in the rate of interest hereunder shall become effective on the date each Prime Rate change is announced within Bank.

(b) Payment of Interest. Interest accrued on this Note shall be payable on the 1st day of each month, commencing November 1, 2000.

(c) Default Interest. From and after the maturity date of this Note, or such earlier date as all principal owing hereunder becomes due and payable by acceleration or otherwise, the outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest until paid in full at an increased rate per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) equal to 4% above the rate of interest from time to time applicable to this Note.

BORROWING AND REPAYMENT:

(a) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the term of this Note borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions of this Note and of any document executed in connection with or governing this Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under this Note shall not at any time exceed the principal amount stated above. The unpaid principal balance of this obligation at any time shall be the total amounts advanced hereunder by the holder hereof less the amount of principal payments made hereon by or for any Borrower, which balance may be endorsed hereon from time to time by the holder. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable in full on April 1, 2001.

(b) Advances. Advances hereunder, to the total amount of the principal sum available hereunder, may be made by the holder at the oral or written request of (i) John Santos, any one acting alone, who are authorized to request advances and direct the disposition of any advances until written notice of the revocation of such authority is received by the holder at the office designated above, or (ii) any person, with respect to advances deposited to the credit of any deposit account of any Borrower, which advances, when so deposited, shall be conclusively presumed to have been made to or for the benefit of each Borrower regardless of the fact that persons other than those authorized to

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request advances may have authority to draw against such account. The holder shall have no obligation to determine whether any person requesting an advance is or has been authorized by any Borrower.

(c) Application of Payments. Each payment made on this Note shall be credited first, to any interest then due and second, to the outstanding principal balance hereof.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT:

The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Note:

(a) The failure to pay any principal, interest, fees or other charges when due hereunder or under any contract, instrument or document executed in connection with this Note.

(b) The filing of a petition by or against any Borrower, any guarantor of this Note or any general partner or joint venturer in any Borrower which is a partnership or a joint venture (with each such guarantor, general partner and/or joint venturer referred to herein as a "Third Party Obligor") under any provisions of the Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended or recodified from time to time, or under any similar or other law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other relief for debtors; the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of or for any part of the assets or property of any Borrower or Third Party Obligor; any Borrower or Third Party Obligor becomes insolvent, makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or is generally not paying its debts as they become due; or any attachment or like levy on any property of any Borrower or Third Party Obligor.

(c) The death or incapacity of any individual Borrower or Third Party Obligor, or the dissolution or liquidation of any Borrower or Third Party Obligor which is a corporation, partnership, joint venture or other type of entity.

(d) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation, or any defined event of default, under any provisions of any contract, instrument or document pursuant to which any Borrower or Third Party Obligor has incurred any obligation for borrowed money, any purchase obligation, or any other liability of any kind to any person or entity, including the holder.

(e) Any financial statement provided by any Borrower or Third Party Obligor to Bank proves to be incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect.

(f) Any sale or transfer of all or a substantial or material part of the assets of any Borrower or Third Party Obligor other than in the ordinary course of its business.

(g) Any violation or breach of any provision of, or any defined event of default under, any addendum to this Note or any loan agreement, guaranty, security agreement, deed of trust, mortgage or other document executed in connection with or securing this Note.

MISCELLANEOUS:

(a) Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the holder of this Note, at the holder's option, may declare all sums of principal and interest outstanding hereunder to be immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, notice of nonperformance, notice of protest, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are expressly waived by each Borrower, and the obligation, if any, of the holder to extend any further credit hereunder shall immediately cease and terminate. Each Borrower shall pay to the holder immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of the holder's in-house counsel), expended or incurred by the holder in connection with the enforcement of the holder's rights and/or the collection of any amounts which become due to the holder under this Note, and the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to this Note,

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including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to any Borrower or any other person or entity.

(b) Obligations Joint and Several. Should more than one person or entity sign this Note as a Borrower, the obligations of each such Borrower shall be joint and several.

(c) Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note as of the date first written above.

|  | STAAR SURGICAL COMPANY
|  | By: |  | /s/ JOHN SANTOS John Santos, Chief Financial Officer

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San Gabriel Valley RCBO
1000 Lakes Drive, Suite 250
West Covina, CA 91790

WELLS
FARGO

October 31, 2000

John Santos, Chief Financial Officer
Staar Surgical Company
1911 Walker Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016

Dear Mr. Santos:

This letter is to confirm that WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank"), subject to all terms and conditions contained herein, has agreed to make available the credit accommodation described below to STAAR SURGICAL COMPANY ("Borrower"). This letter shall be deemed to amend and restate the prior letter loan agreement between Borrower and Bank dated as of June 1, 1998, as amended (the "Prior Letter Agreement"), and any credit accommodation under the Prior Letter Agreement which is not continued hereunder shall be deemed cancelled hereby.

Borrower shall continue to have a revolving line of credit under which Bank will make advances to Borrower from time to time up to and including April 1, 2001, not to exceed at any time the maximum principal amount of Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000.00) ("Line of Credit"), the proceeds of which shall be used to finance Borrower's working capital requirements. Outstanding advances under the "Line of Credit" under the Prior Letter Agreement shall be deemed outstanding hereunder.

I.
  CREDIT TERMS:
  1.
    LINE OF CREDIT:

(a) Line of Credit Note. Borrower's obligation to repay advances under the Line of Credit shall be evidenced by a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto ("Line of Credit Note"), all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference. The line of credit note that had been executed by Borrower and delivered to Bank to evidence advances under the "Line of Credit" under the Prior Letter Agreement shall be deemed amended and restated by the Line of Credit Note hereunder.

(b) Letter of Credit Subfeature. As a subfeature under the Line of Credit, Bank agrees from time to time during the term thereof to issue standby letters of credit for the account of Borrower to finance performance requirements (each, a "Letter of Credit" and collectively, "Letters of Credit"); provided however, that the form and substance of each Letter of Credit shall be subject to approval by Bank, in its sole discretion; and provided further, that the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall not at any time exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00). Each Letter of Credit shall be issued for a term not to exceed three hundred sixty-five (365) days, as designated by Borrower; provided however, that no Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date subsequent to the maturity date of the Line of Credit. The undrawn amount of all Letters of Credit shall be reserved under the Line of Credit and shall not be available for borrowings thereunder. Outstanding standby letters of credit issued for the account of Borrower under the Prior Letter Agreement, if any, shall be deemed outstanding Letters of Credit hereunder. Each Letter of Credit shall be subject to the additional terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit Agreement and related documents, if any, required by Bank in connection with the issuance thereof. Each draft paid by Bank under a Letter of Credit shall be deemed an advance under the Line of Credit and shall be repaid by Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter applicable to such advances; provided however, that if advances

under the Line of Credit are not available, for any reason, at the time any draft is paid by Bank, then Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank the full amount of such draft, together with interest thereon from the date such amount is paid by Bank to the date such amount is fully repaid by Borrower, at the rate of interest applicable to advance under the Line of Credit. In such event Borrower agrees that Bank, in its sole discretion, may debit any deposit account maintained by Borrower with Bank for the amount of any such draft.

(c) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the term of the Line of Credit borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions contained herein or in the Line of Credit Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit shall not at any time exceed the maximum principal amount available thereunder, as set forth above.

2.
  COLLATERAL:

As security for all indebtedness of Borrower to Bank subject hereto, Borrower hereby grants to Bank security interest of first priority in all Borrower's accounts receivable, rights to payment, general intangibles, patents, copyrights, trademarks, deposit accounts, chattel paper, instruments, documents, inventory and equipment. All of the foregoing shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of such security agreements, financing statements and other documents as Bank shall reasonably require, all in form and substance satisfactory to Bank. Borrower shall reimburse Bank immediately upon demand for all costs and expenses incurred by Bank in connection with any of the foregoing security, including without limitation, filing and recording fees and costs of appraisals, audits and title insurance.

Borrower acknowledges that it is obligated to reimburse Bank for all fees, costs, expenses and charges incurred by Bank in connection with Bank's prior engagement of Ernst & Young LLP in connection with Borrower's patent portfolio.

Borrower acknowledges that notwithstanding the fact that Bank is suspending Ernst & Young's work for Bank in connection with Borrower's patent portfolio, such patents continue to be part of Bank's collateral and Borrower continues to be obligated to furnish Bank with such security agreements and other documents as Bank may require to obtain a perfected security of first priority therein.

3.
  COLLATERAL EXAM AND BORROWING BASE EXAM:

At Bank's request, Nigro, Karlin & Segal ("NKS") conducted a collateral examination. Bank desires to have NKS conduct a supplemental borrowing base examination hereafter and make recommendations to Bank with respect to the use of Borrower's accounts receivable and inventory as a borrowing base to support advances under the Line of Credit. Such examination and recommendations are to be set forth in a written report by NKS to Bank which is to be in form, detail and substance satisfactory to Bank (such report, when completed in form, detail and substance satisfactory to Bank, is referred to herein as the "Borrowing Base Report"). The Borrowing Base Report shall include, without limitation, recommendations regarding what to include as eligible accounts receivable and inventory and what advance rates to use against such eligible collateral, and a calculation of, or such information as will allow Bank to calculate, the value of such eligible collateral at those advance rates as of a date on or after 09-29-00, 2000 (the "Borrowing Base Collateral Value"). Borrower agrees to provide Bank and NKS such information and access to Borrower's property as may be required for the completion of the Borrowing Base Report prior to December 1, 2000 or such later date as may be approved by Bank. Borrower shall reimburse Bank for all fees, costs, expenses and charges incurred by Bank in connection with the collateral examination heretofore conducted by NKS and with the preparation and review of the Borrowing Base Report.

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Promptly after its receipt and review of the Borrowing Base Report, Bank shall notify Borrower of the Borrowing Base Collateral Value. Borrower agrees that an Event of Default shall exist hereunder if the Borrowing Base Collateral Value is less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).

II.
  INTEREST/FEES:

1. Interest. The outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit shall bear interest at the rate of interest set forth in the Line of Credit Note.

2. Computation and Payment. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed. Interest shall be payable at the times and place set forth in each promissory or other instrument required hereby.

3. Letter of Credit Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank (a) fees upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit equal to one percent (1%) per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) of the face amount thereof, and (b) fees upon the payment or negotiation by Bank of each draft under any Letter of Credit and fees upon the occurrence of any other activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including without limitation, the transfer, amendment or cancellation of any Letter of Credit) determined in accordance with Bank's standard fees and charges then in effect for such activity.

4. Collection of Payments. Borrower authorizes Bank to collect all principal, interest and fees due under each credit subject hereto by charging Borrower's deposit account number 4159-251172 with Bank, or any other deposit account maintained by Borrower with Bank, for the full amount thereof. Should there be insufficient funds in any such deposit account to pay all such sums when due, for the full amount of such deficiency shall be immediately due and payable by Borrower.

III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES:

Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to Bank, which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this letter and shall continue in full force and effect until the full and final payment, and satisfaction and discharge, of all obligations of Borrower to Bank subject to this letter.

1. Legal Status. Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and is qualified or licensed to do business in all jurisdictions in which such qualification or licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or to be so licensed could have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

2. Authorization and Validity. This letter and each promissory note, contract, instrument and other document deemed necessary by Bank to evidence any extension of credit to Borrower pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof, or now or at any time hereafter required by or delivered to Bank in connection with this letter (collectively, the "Loan Documents") have been duly authorized, and upon their execution and delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will constitute legal, valid and binding agreements and obligations of Borrower or the party which executes the same, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

3. No Violation. The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of each of the Loan Documents do not violate any provision of any law or regulation, or contravene any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of Borrower, or result in a breach of or constitute a default under any contract, obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound.

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4. Litigation. There are no pending, or to the best of Borrower's knowledge threatened, actions, claims, investigations, suits or proceedings by or before any governmental authority, arbitrator, court or administrative agency which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operation of Borrower other than those disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof.

5. Correctness of Financial Statement. The financial statement of Borrower dated June 30, 2000, a true copy of which has been delivered by Borrower to Bank prior to the date hereof, (a) is complete and correct and presents fairly the financial condition of Borrower, (b) discloses all liabilities of Borrower that are required to be reflected or reserved against under generally accepted accounting principles, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, and (c) has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the date of such financial statement there has been no material adverse change in the condition or operation of Borrower, nor has Borrower mortgaged, pledged, granted a security interest in or otherwise encumbered any of its assets or properties except in favor of Bank or as otherwise permitted by Bank in writing.

6. Income Tax Returns. Borrower has no knowledge of any pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any year.

7. No Subordination. There is no agreement, indenture, contract or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound that requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's obligations subject to this letter to any other obligation of Borrower.

8. Permits, Franchises. Borrower possesses, and will hereafter possess, all permits, consents, approvals, franchises and licenses required and all rights to trademarks, trade names, patents and fictitious names, if any, necessary to enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged in compliance with applicable law.

9. ERISA. Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended or recodified from time to time ("ERISA"); Borrower has not violated any provision of any defined employee pension benefit plan (as defined in ERISA) maintained or contributed to by Borrower (each, a "Plan"); no Reportable Event, as defined in ERISA, has occurred and is continuing with respect to any Plan initiated by Borrower; Borrower has met its minimum funding requirements under ERISA with respect to each Plan; and each Plan will be able to fulfill its benefit obligations as they come due in accordance with the Plan documents and under generally accepted accounting principles.

10. Other Obligations. Borrower is not in default on any obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

11. Environmental Matters. Except as disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof, Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal or state environmental, hazardous waste, health and safety statutes, and any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, which govern or affect any of Borrower's operations and/or properties, including without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, as any of the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time. None of the operations of Borrower is the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether any remedial action involving a material expenditure is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the

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environment. Borrower has no material contingent liability in connection with any release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment.

IV. CONDITIONS:

1. Conditions of Initial Extension of Credit. The obligation of Bank to extend any credit contemplated by this letter is subject to fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of all of the following conditions:

(a) Documentation. Bank shall have received each of the Loan Documents, duly executed and in form and substance satisfactory to Bank.

(b) Financial Condition. There shall have been no material adverse change, as determined by Bank, in the financial condition or business of Borrower, nor any material decline, as determined by Bank, in the market value of any collateral required hereunder or a substantial or material portion of the assets of Borrower.

(c) Insurance. Borrower shall have delivered to Bank evidence of insurance coverage on all Borrower's property, in form, substance, amounts, covering risks and issued by companies satisfactory to Bank, and where required by Bank, with loss payable endorsements in favor of Bank.

2. Conditions of Each Extension of Credit. The obligation of Bank to make each extension of credit requested by Borrower hereunder shall be subject to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

(a) Compliance. The representations and warranties contained herein and in each of the other Loan Documents shall be true on and as of the date of the signing of this letter and on the date of each extension of credit by Bank pursuant hereto, with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of each such date, and on each such date, no default hereunder, and no condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute such a default, shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist.

(b) Documentation. Bank shall have received all additional documents which may be required in connection with such extension of credit.

V. COVENANTS:

Borrower covenants that so long Bank remains committed to extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower shall, unless Bank otherwise consents in writing:

1. Punctual Payment. Punctually pay all principal, interest, fees or other liabilities due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and place and in the manner specified therein.

2. Accounting Records. Maintain adequate books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and permit any representative of Bank, at any reasonable time, to inspect, audit and examine such books and records, to make copies of the same and inspect the properties of Borrower.

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3. Financial Statements. Provide to Bank all of the following, in form and detail satisfactory to Bank:

(a) not later than 120 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year, an audited financial statement of Borrower, prepared by a certified public accountant acceptable to Bank, to include a balance, income statement and state of cash flows;

(b) not later than 60 days after and as of the end of each fiscal quarter, a financial statement of Borrower, prepared by Borrower, to include a balance sheet and income statement;

(c) not later than 15 days after and as of the end of each month, a securities portfolio or brokerage statement covering Borrower's cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities; and

(d) from time to time such other information as Bank may reasonably request.

4. Compliance. Preserve and maintain all licenses, permits, governmental approvals, rights, privileges and franchises necessary for the conduct of its business; and comply with the provisions of all documents pursuant to which Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued existence and with the requirements of all laws, rules, regulations and orders of a governmental agency applicable to Borrower and/or its business.

5. Insurance. Maintain and keep in force insurance of the types and in amounts customarily carried in lines of business similar to that of Borrower, including but not limited to fire, extended coverage, public liability, flood, property damage and workers' compensation, with all such insurance carried with companies and in amounts satisfactory to Bank, and deliver to Bank from time to time at Bank's request schedules setting forth all insurance then in effect.

6. Facilities. Keep all properties useful or necessary to Borrower's business in good repair and condition, and from time to time make necessary repairs, renewals and replacements thereto so that such properties shall be fully and efficiently preserved and maintained.

7. Taxes and Other Liabilities. Pay and discharge when due any and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or personal, including without limitation federal and state income taxes and state and local property taxes and assessments, expect (a) such as Borrower may in good faith contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, and (b) for which borrower has made provision, to Bank's satisfaction, for eventual payment thereof in the event Borrower is obligated to make such payment.

8. Litigation. Promptly give notice in writing to Bank of any litigation pending or threatened against Borrower with a claim in excess of $500,000.

9. Financial Condition. Maintain Borrower's financial condition as follows using generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and used consistently with prior practices (except to the extent modified by the definitions herein):

(a) Tangible Net Worth not less than $39,000,000.00 as of December 31, 2000 (the end of Borrower's current fiscal year), with "Tangible Net Worth" defined as the aggregate of total stockholders' equity plus subordinated debt less any intangible assets.

(b) Net income after taxes not less than $1.00 on a quarterly basis, determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2000.

10. Liquidity. Maintain unencumbered liquid assets (defined as cash, cash equivalents and/or publicly- traded/quoted marketable securities acceptable to Bank) with banks and/or brokers within the

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U.S. and with have an aggregate fair market value not at any time less than Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00).

11. Capital Expenditures. Not make investments in fixed assets in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000 or in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year thereafter.

12. Lease Expenditures. Not incur operating lease expense in excess of an aggregate of $3,000,000 in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000 or in excess of $3,000,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year thereafter.

13. Other Indebtedness. Not create, incur, assume or permit to exist any indebtedness or liabilities resulting from borrowings, loans or advances, whether secured or unsecured, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, joint or several, except (a) the liabilities of Borrower to Bank, (b) any other liabilities of Borrower existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof, and (c) purchase money indebtedness incurred in connection with the purchase of equipment hereafter, so long as outstanding purchase money indebtedness incurred in connection with the purchase of equipment, whether before or after the date hereof, at no time exceeds $3,000,000 in the aggregate.

14. Merger, Consolidation, Transfer of Assets. Not merge into or consolidate with any other entity; nor make any substantial change in the nature of Borrower's business as conducted as of the date hereof; nor acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any other entity; nor sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial or material portion of Borrower's assets except in the ordinary course of its business.

15. Guaranties. Not guarantee or become liable in any way as surety, endorser (other than as endorser of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business), accommodation endorser or otherwise for, nor pledge or hypothecate any assets of Borrower as security for, any liabilities or obligations of any other person or entity, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank.

16. Loans, Advances, Investments. Not make any loans or advances to or investments in any person or entity, except any of the foregoing existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof.

17. Pledge of Assets. Not mortgage, pledge, grant or permit to exist a security interest in, or lien upon, all or any portion of Borrower's assets now owned or hereafter acquired, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank or which are existing as of, and disclosed to Bank in writing prior to, the date hereof.

VI. DEFAULT, REMEDIES:

1. Default Remedies. Upon the violation of any term or condition of any of the Loan Documents, or upon the occurrence of any default or defined event of default under any of the Loan Documents: (a) all indebtedness of Borrower under each of the Loan Documents, any term thereof to the contrary notwithstanding, shall at Bank's option and without notice become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are expressly waived by Borrower; (b) the obligation, if any, of Bank to extend any further credit under any of the Loan Documents shall immediately cease and terminate; and (c) Bank shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents, or accorded by law, including without limitation the right to resort to any or all security for any credit subject hereto and to exercise any or all of the rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant to applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of

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Bank may be exercised at any time by Bank and from time to time after the occurrence of any such breach or default, are cumulative and not exclusive, and shall be in addition to any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or equity.

2. No Waiver. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in exercising any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind by Bank of any breach of or default under any of the Loan Documents must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in such writing.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Notices. All notices, requests and demands which any party is required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this letter must be in writing delivered to each party at its address first set forth above, or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to all other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or made as follows: (a) if sent by hand delivery, upon delivery; (b) if sent by mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy, upon receipt.

2. Costs, Expenses and Attorneys' Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of Bank's in-house counsel), expended or incurred by Bank in connection with (a) the negotiation and preparation of this letter and the other Loan Documents, Bank's continued administration hereof and thereof, and the preparation of amendments and waivers hereto and thereto, (b) the enforcement of Bank's rights and/or the collection of any amounts which become due to Bank under any of the Loan Documents, and (c) the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to any of the Loan Documents, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to any Borrower or any other person or entity.

3. Successors, Assignment. This letter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties; provided however, that Borrower may not assign or transfer its interest hereunder without Bank's prior written consent. Bank reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's rights and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection therewith Bank may disclose all documents and information which Bank now has or hereafter may acquire relating to any credit subject hereto, Borrower or its business, or any collateral required hereunder.

4. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This letter and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and Bank with respect to each credit subject hereto and supersede all prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning the subject matter hereof. This letter may be amended or modified only in writing signed by each party hereto.

5. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This letter is made and entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person

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or entity shall be a third party beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this letter or any other of the Loan Documents to which it is not a party.

6. Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this letter shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition of invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions of this letter.

7. Governing Law. This letter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

8. Arbitration.

(a) Arbitration. Upon the demand of any party, any Dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the terms of this letter. A "Dispute" shall mean any action, dispute, claim or controversy of any kind, whether in contract or tort, statutory or common law, legal or equitable, now existing or hereafter arising under or in connection with, or in any way pertaining to, any of the Loan Documents, or any past, present or future extensions of credit and other activities, transactions or obligations of any kind related directly or indirectly to any of the Loan Documents, including without limitation, any of the foregoing arising in connection with the exercise of any self-help, ancillary or other remedies pursuant to any of the Loan Documents. Any party may by summary proceedings bring an action in court to compel arbitration of a Dispute. Any party who fails or refuses to submit to arbitration following a lawful demand by any other party shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by such other party in compelling arbitration of any Dispute.

(b) Governing Rules. Arbitration proceedings shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") or such other administrator as the parties shall mutually agree upon in accordance with the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules. All Disputes submitted to arbitration shall be resolved in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United States Code), notwithstanding any conflicting choice of law provision in any of the Loan Documents. The arbitration shall be conducted at a location in California selected by the AAA or other administrator. If there is any inconsistency between the terms hereof and any such rules, the terms and procedures set forth herein shall control. All statutes of limitation applicable to any Dispute shall apply to any arbitration proceeding. All discovery activities shall be expressly limited to matters directly relevant to the Dispute being arbitrated. Judgment upon any award rendered in an arbitration may be entered in any court having jurisdiction; provided however, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by any party that is a bank of the protections afforded to it under 12 U.S.C. Section 91 or any similar applicable state law.

(c) No Waiver; Provisional Remedies, Self-Help and Foreclosure. No provision hereof shall limit the right of any party to exercise self-help remedies such as setoff, foreclosure against or sale of any real or personal property collateral or security, or to obtain provisional or ancillary remedies, including without limitation injunctive relief, sequestration, attachment, garnishment or the appointment of a receiver, from a court of competent jurisdiction before, after or during the pendency of any arbitration or other proceeding. The exercise of any such remedy shall not waive the right of any party to compel arbitration or reference hereunder.

(d) Arbitrator Qualifications and Powers; Awards. Arbitrators must be active members of the California State Bar or retired judges of the state or federal judiciary of California, with expertise in the substantive law applicable to the subject matter of the Dispute. Arbitrators are empowered to resolve Disputes by summary rulings in response to motions filed prior to the final arbitration hearing. Arbitrators (i) shall resolve all Disputes in accordance with the substantive law of the

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State of California, (ii) may grant any remedy or relief that a court of the State of California could order or grant within the scope hereof and such ancillary relief as is necessary to make effective any award, and (iii) shall have the power to award recovery of all costs and fees, to impose sanctions and to take such other actions as they deem necessary to the same extent a judge could pursuant to the Federal rules of Civil Procedure, the California Rules of Civil Procedure or other applicable law. Any Dispute in which the amount in controversy is $5,000,000 or less shall be decided by a single arbitrator who shall not render an award of greater than $5,000,000 (including damages, costs, fees and expenses). By submission to a single arbitrator, each party expressly waives any right or claim to recover more than $5,000,000. Any Dispute in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000,000 shall be decided by majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators; provided however, that all three arbitrators must actively participate in all hearings and deliberations.

(e) Real Property Collateral; Judicial Reference. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Dispute shall be submitted to arbitration if the Dispute concerns indebtedness secured directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by any real property unless (i) the holder of the mortgage, lien or security interest specifically elects in writing to proceed with the arbitration, or (ii) all parties to the arbitration waive any rights or benefits that might accrue to them by virtue of the single action rule statute of California, thereby agreeing that all indebtedness and obligations of the parties, and all mortgages, liens and security interests securing such indebtedness and obligations, shall remain fully valid and enforceable. If any such Dispute is not submitted to arbitration, the Dispute shall be referred to a referee in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 et seq., and this general reference agreement is intended to be specifically enforceable in accordance with said Section 638. A referee with the qualifications required herein for arbitrators shall be selected pursuant to the AAA's selection procedures. Judgment upon the decision rendered by a referee shall be entered in the court in which such proceeding was commenced in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 644 and 645.

(f) Miscellaneous. To the maximum extent practicable, the AAA, the arbitrators and the parties shall take all action required to conclude any arbitration proceeding within 180 days of the filing of the Dispute with the AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration proceeding may disclose the existence, content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by a party required in the ordinary course of its business, by applicable law or regulation, or to the extent necessary to exercise any judicial review rights set forth herein. If more than one agreement for arbitration by or between the parties potentially applies to a Dispute, the arbitration provision most directly related to the Loan Documents or the subject matter of the Dispute shall control. This arbitration provision shall survive termination, amendment or expiration of any of the Loan Documents or any relationship between the parties.

Your acknowledgement of this letter shall constitute acceptance of the foregoing terms and conditions. Bank's commitment to extend any credit to Borrower pursuant to the terms of this letter

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shall terminate on November __, 2000, unless this letter is acknowledged by Borrower and returned to bank on or before that date.

|  |  |  | Sincerely,
|  |  |  | WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
|  |  |  | By: |  | /s/ NANCY MARTORANO Nancy Martorano Vice President
Acknowledged and accepted as of 11/8/00: |  |  |  |
STAAR SURGICAL COMPANY |  |  |  |
By: |  | /s/ JOHN SANTOS John Santos Chief Financial Officer |  |  |  |

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Exhibit 10.72
EXHIBIT "A"