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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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Notice of 2023 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and Proxy StatementFiling Party:

Friday, December 1, 2023

at 10 a.m. EDT

 

Meeting Held at:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leominster

99 Erdman Way

Leominster, MA 01453

  (4)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter to our Shareholders from our Board of Directors1
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders2
Proxy Summary3
General Voting and Meeting Information3
Voting at the Annual Meeting3
Questions and Answers4
Governance8
Proposal 1 – Election of Director8
Director Biographies and Qualifications8
Director Independence, Related Person Transactions and Other Legal Information10
Information about Corporate Governance11
Director Compensation13
Executive Officers13
Executive Compensation14
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal-Year End17
Proposal 2 – Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation17
Share Ownership19
Equity Compensation Plan Information19
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners20
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports23
Audit Matters24
Report of the Audit Committee24
Proposal 3 – Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm24
Principal Accountant Fees and Services25
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures25
General Information26
Shareholder Proposals26
Householding27
Other Matters27
Appendix A – Proxy Card28

i Date Filed:

 

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.

22 East Broadway

Gardner, MassachusettsMA 01440

(978) 630-1800

October 20, 2023

Dear Stockholder:Fellow Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the 20092023 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. The meeting will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 10:0010 a.m. local time on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leominster located at 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453.

The Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.formal Notice of the 2023 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement has been made a part of this invitation.

Through careful evaluation of this Proxy Statement, you can help us to achieve these goals and shape our future.

Whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares beare represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. After reading the Proxy Statement, please promptly vote and submit your proxy by dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.Your shares cannot be voted unless you submit your proxy or attend the Annual Meeting in person.

We have also enclosed a copy of our 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the StockholderAnnual Shareholder Meeting to be Held on November 24, 2009 — Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.'s: The Proxy Statement, and 2009form of proxy, Annual Report to Stockholderson Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2023 and related materials are available at www.materials.proxyvote.com/740294.www.proxyyvote.com, or by contacting our Investor Relations department through email at blum@lythampartners.com or by calling (602) 889-9670.

The Board of Directors and Managementour Company management look forward to seeing you at the meeting.Annual Meeting.

Thank you.

 

 1Very truly yours,



GRAPHIC



Richard E. Forkey
President

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.
22 East Broadway
Gardner, Massachusetts 01440

NOTICE OF 20092023 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
SHAREHOLDERS

To be Held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009

To 

Friday, December 1, 2023

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leominster

99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453

We are pleased to invite you to join our Stockholders:

Board of Directors, senior leadership and other shareholders for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. shareholders. The meeting will hold its 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Tuesday, November 24, 2009,be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leominster located at 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453, at 10:00 a.m. atlocal time on Friday, December 1, 2023. The Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.purposes of the meeting are:

We are holding this Annual Meeting to:

1.
elect one Class I director to hold office for a three-year term and until his respective successor shall have been duly elected and qualified; and

2.
·To re-elect the five Directors nominated by our Board of Directors;
·To consider and vote on whether to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for the year ended June 30, 2023;
·To ratify the appointment of Stowe & Degon, LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024;
·To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.

The Board of Directors has set October 10, 2023 as the record date for the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting.

All stockholdersThis means that only shareholders of record atof Precision Optics as of the close of business on Thursday, October 1, 2009,that date are entitled to receive notice of the meeting; and vote at the meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

For ten days prior to the Annual Meeting, a complete list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available at the Secretary’s office, 22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440.

This Proxy Statement, form of proxy and any adjournmentsour Annual Report for the year ended June 30, 2023 are available online at www.proxyvote.com. You can also access these materials by contacting our Investor Relations Department by email at blum@lythampartners.com or postponementsby calling (602) 889-9670.

By Order of the Annual Meeting.Board of Directors,

/s/ Wayne M. Coll                                       

Wayne M. Coll

Secretary and Chief Financial Officer

Your Vote is Important Notice Regardingto usRegardless of whether you plan to attend, we urge all shareholders to vote on the Availability of Proxy Materials formatters described in the Stockholder Meeting to be Held on November 24, 2009 — Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.'saccompanying Proxy Statement and 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at www. materials.proxyvote.com/740294.

It is important that your shares be represented at this meeting. Even if you attend the meeting, we hope that you will promptly vote and submit your proxy by dating, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card. This will not limit your rightrights to attend or vote at the meeting.Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors

GRAPHIC

Jack P. Dreimiller
Clerk

Gardner, MA
October 30, 2009

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY. A RETURN ENVELOPE THAT REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES IS ENCLOSED FOR THAT PURPOSE.


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PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.



PROXY SUMMARY

AnnualGeneral Voting and Meeting Information

The Notice and Access cards detailing the availability of Stockholders
November 24, 2009

PROXY STATEMENT




INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING

General

Thisthis Proxy Statement and form of proxy are furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Company"), for use at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on November 24, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at The Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440, and any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Company incorporated in 1982, and its principal executive offices are located at 22 East Broadway, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 (telephone 978-630-1800). This Proxy Statement and form of proxycard are first being distributedmailed to stockholdersshareholders on or about October 30, 2009.20, 2023, and all proxy documents will be made available via www.proxyvote.com. It is important that you carefully review the proxy materials, and follow the instructions below to cast your vote on all voting matters.

Stockholders Entitled

Voting Methods

Even if you plan to Voteattend the Annual Meeting in person please vote as soon as possible by using one of the following advance voting methods. Make sure to have your notice cardproxy card or voting instruction form in hand and to follow the instructions.

As

You can vote in advance through one of October 1, 2009,three ways:

Via the Internet* – Visit the website listed on your notice card, proxy card or voting instruction form.
By Telephone– Call the telephone number listed on your notice card, proxy card or voting instruction form.
By Mail – If you are a shareholder of record and have received a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials, you may request a written proxy card by following the instructions in the notice. Then sign, date, and return your proxy card/voting instruction form in the enclosed envelope.

*If you are a beneficial owner you may vote via the Telephone or Internet, if your bank, broker, or other nominee makes those methods available, in which case they will include the instructions with the proxy materials. If you are a shareholder of record, Precision Optics will include instructions on how to vote via Internet or Telephone directly on your notice or proxy voting card.

Voting at the Company had outstanding 1,018,411Annual Meeting

Shareholders of record may vote at the Annual Meeting. Beneficial owners may vote in person if they have a legal proxy. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we strongly recommend that you submit your proxy or voting instructions or vote by Telephone or the Internet prior to the meeting so that your vote will be counted, if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.

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Voting Matters and Board Recommendations

Shareholders are being asked to vote on the following matters at the 2023 Annual Meeting:

Proposal

Recommended

Vote

PROPOSAL 1 - Election of DirectorsFOR
Election of five director nominees as follows: Peter H. Woodward, Andrew J. Miclot, Richard B. Miles, Peter V. Anania, Joseph N. Forkey. The Board believes that the nominee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities will positively contribute to the function of the Board as a whole. Accordingly, your proxy holder will vote your shares FOR the election of the Board’s nominee unless you instruct otherwise.
PROPOSAL 2 - Advisory Vote to Approve Executive CompensationFOR
The Say-on-Pay Proposal, to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for the year ended June 30, 2023. Precision Optics has designed its compensation programs to reward and motivate employees to continue to grow the Company. The Board of Directors takes shareholder views seriously and will take into account the advisory vote in future executive compensation decisions. Your proxy holder will vote your shares FOR the approval of the executive compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers unless you instruct otherwise.
PROPOSAL 3 - Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmFOR
Stowe & Degon LLC has been appointed as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024. The Board believes that retention of the firm is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Accordingly, your proxy holder will vote your shares FOR the ratification of the appointment of Stowe & Degon LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm unless you instruct otherwise.

Questions and Answers

1.What is a proxy statement, what is a proxy and how does it work?

A proxy statement is a document that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires us to give you when we ask you to sign a proxy card designating someone other than you to vote the stock you own. The written document you sign indicating who may vote your shares of common stock $0.01 par value per share. Each shareis called a proxy card and the person you designate to vote your shares is called a proxy. The Board of Directors is asking to act as your proxy. By signing and returning to us the proxy card you are designating us as your proxy to cast your votes at the Annual Meeting. We will cast your votes as you indicate on the proxy card.

Our employees, officers and directors may solicit proxies. We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies and will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and solicitation material to the owners of our common stock entitlesstock.

2.        Who is entitled to vote at the holderAnnual Meeting?

Only shareholders who were Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. shareholders of record thereof at the close of business on October 1, 2009 (the "Record Date")10, 2023, or the Record Date, may vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 6,066,518 shares of our common stock outstanding. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share of our common stock held as of the Record Date.

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3.        What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a beneficial owner?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with Precision Optics’ transfer agent, Computershare, Inc., you are considered, with respect to those shares, a shareholder of record. As a shareholder of record, we will send you Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting.

If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of your shares of common stock. The Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Material for the Annual Meeting has been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank, or nominee how to vote your shares by using the voting instruction form included in the proxy materials.

4.        What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?

If you hold your shares in multiple registrations, or in both registered and street name, you will receive a notice card, proxy card or voting instruction form for each account. Please vote each proxy card or voting instruction form you receive using one of the voting methods outlined elsewhere in this proxy statement.

5.        What proposals will be voted on at the 2023 Annual Meeting?

The following proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting:

·Elect five directors nominated by the Board of Directors, to serve until the 2024 Annual Meeting or until a successor is duly elected and qualified;

·Approve on an advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers, or the Say-on-Pay Proposal;

·Ratify the appointment of Stowe & Degon LLC as our independent public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024;

6.        What are the Board’s recommendations?

Our Board recommends that you vote:

·“FOR” Proposal No. 1 to elect each of the five named director nominees to serve until the 2024 Annual Meeting or until a successor is duly elected and qualified;

·“FOR” Proposal No. 2, the Say-on-Pay Proposal, to approve on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for the year ended June 30, 2023;

·“FOR” Proposal No. 3 to ratify the appointment of Stowe & Degon LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024;

7.        Will there be any other items of business on the agenda?

We do not expect any other items of business because the deadline for shareholder proposals and nominations has already passed. Nonetheless, in case there is an unforeseen need, the accompanying proxy gives discretionary authority to the persons named on the proxy with respect to any other matters that might be brought before the Annual Meeting. Those persons intend to vote that proxy in accordance with their best judgment.

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8.        How will my shares be voted?

To designate how you would like to vote, fill out the proxy card or voting instruction form indicating how you would like your votes cast. If you do not specify how to vote, we will vote your shares as follows:

·“FOR” Proposal No. 1 to elect five director nominees;

·“FOR” Proposal No. 2, the Say-on-Pay Proposal, to approve on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for the year ended June 30, 2023;

·“FOR” Proposal No. 3 to ratify the appointment of Stowe & Degon LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024;

9.         Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy?

You may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting. If you submitted your proxy by mail, you must file with our Secretary at Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., 22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440, a written notice of revocation or deliver a valid, later-dated proxy. If you submitted your proxy by telephone or the Internet, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy with a later telephone or Internet proxy, as the case may be. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not have the effect of revoking a proxy unless you give written notice of revocation to the Secretary before the proxy is exercised or you vote by written ballot at the Annual Meeting.

10.        What is a broker non-vote and what is the impact of not voting?

A broker “non-vote” occurs when a nominee holding shares of common stock for a beneficial owner, such as a bank or broker, does not vote on one or more proposals because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power on that matter, which is also referred to as holding shares in street name. Your bank or broker does not have discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposals in this Proxy Statement, except for Proposal No. 3 to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. As a result, if you hold your shares in street name it is critical that you provide instructions to your bank or broker, if you want your vote to count in the election of directors and the advisory vote related to executive compensation.

11.        What constitutes a quorum?

A quorum is the minimum number of shareholders necessary to conduct the Annual Meeting. The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, on the matters to be voted upon at the meeting.

Voting Procedures

Consistent with Massachusetts law and the Company's By-laws,of the holders of a majority of common stock outstanding on the Record Date will constitute a quorum. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 6,066,518 shares of our common stock outstanding. Votes withheld from any nominee, abstentions and broker “non-votes” are counted as present or represented for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

12.        Is cumulative voting permitted for the election of directors?

No. Shareholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors, which means that each shareholder may vote only the number of shares he or she owns for a single director candidate.

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13.        What is the vote required for a proposal to pass?

Proposal No. 1—Election of Directors: Shareholders may cast a vote “FOR” or “WITHHOLD” with regard to the election of each director nominee. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares entitled to be cast on a particular matter,of common stock present in person or represented by proxy constitutes a quorum asand entitled to such matter. Votes cast by proxy or in personvote at the Annual Meeting, will be countedin person or by persons appointed by the Company to act as election inspectors for the meeting.

If the enclosed form of proxy, is properly signed and returned and not revoked, the shares represented thereby will be voted at the Annual Meeting. If the stockholder specifies in the proxy how the shares are to be voted, they will be voted as specified. If the stockholder does not specify how the shares are to be voted, such shares will be voted in favor of andrequired for the election of such a nominee. Thus, assuming a quorum is present at the nomineeAnnual Meeting, the nominees who receive the most affirmative votes will be elected as the Company’s directors. Abstentions and broker “non-votes” will have no effect on the voting outcome with respect to the election of directors.

Proposal No. 2—Say-on-Pay: Shareholders may cast a vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the Say-on-Pay proposal. Because this proposal asks for director as set fortha non-binding, advisory vote, there is no required vote that would constitute approval. We value the opinions expressed by our shareholders in Proposal 1.

Any stockholder hasthis advisory vote, and will consider the right to revoke his or her proxy at any time before it is voted by: (1) attending the meeting and voting in person; (2) filing with the Clerkoutcome of the Company a written instrument revokingvote when designing our compensation programs and making future compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers. Abstentions and broker “non-votes,” if any, will not have any impact on this advisory vote.

Proposal No. 3—Ratification of the proxy;Selection of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: Shareholders may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or (3) delivering“ABSTAIN from ratifying our selection of Stowe & Degon LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024. A majority of the votes properly cast upon this proposal is required to ratify our independent registered public accounting firm. Abstentions and broker “non-votes” will have no effect on the voting outcome with respect to the Clerk another newly executedelection of directors. Because Proposal No. 3 is a routine proposal on which a broker or other nominee is generally empowered to vote, broker “non-votes” likely will not result from this proposal. Thus, if you are a beneficial owner holding shares through a broker, bank or other holder of record and you do not vote on this proposal, your broker may cast a vote on your behalf for this proposal.

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GOVERNANCE

Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors

Election of five directors. the Board believes that the nominee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities would positively contribute to the function of the Board as a whole. Accordingly, your proxy bearingholder will vote your shares FOR the election of the Board’s nominee named below unless you instruct otherwise.

Directors and Nominees

Previously, our Directors were divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms, an arrangement consistent with a later date.provision of the Massachusetts Business Corporations Act which applies to public corporations. In May 2022, and as permitted by that Act, the Board voted to opt out of the classified board arrangement. Accordingly, our Board now consists of five directors who all are elected to one-year terms, serving until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their earlier resignation or replacements:

NamePosition with our CompanyDirector Since
Peter H. WoodwardChairman of the Board and Director2014
Andrew J. MiclotDirector2016
Richard B. MilesDirector2005
Peter V. AnaniaDirector2021
Joseph N. ForkeyChief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer and Director2006

What am I voting on?

Shareholders are being asked to elect five nominees for election as directors. Further information about the five current Company directors appears below.

Required Vote

With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast "FOR"“FOR” or "WITHHOLD." Provided that a quorum is present, the“WITHHOLD.” The affirmative vote by the holders of a plurality of the shares of common stock present



or represented by proxy and votingentitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, is required to electfor the Class I director nominee described in Proposal 1. For purposeselection of this vote, abstentionsthe nominee. Thus, assuming a quorum is present at the 2023 Annual Meeting, the nominees who receives the most affirmative votes will be elected as directors. Abstentions and broker "non-votes" are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote“non-votes” will have no effect on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for the particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.

Voting on Other Matters

At the date hereof, the Company has no knowledge of any business other than that described in the Notice for the Annual Meeting which will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other business should come before such meeting, the persons appointed by the enclosed form of proxy may, in their discretion, vote all such proxies in accordance with their own judgment. The persons appointed by the enclosed form of proxy also may, in their discretion, vote all proxiesoutcome with respect to matters incidentthe election of directors.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of Peter H. Woodward, Andrew J. Miclot, Richard B. Miles, Peter V. Anania, Joseph N. Forkey.

Director Biographies and Qualifications

The biographies of our directors and certain information regarding each director’s experience, attributes, skills and/or qualifications that led to the conductconclusion that the director should be serving as a Director of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. are stated below.

Peter H. Woodward, age 49 – Chairman of the meeting.Board

Costs of Proxy Solicitation

The Company will bear all the costsMr. Woodward was appointed to our Board effective July 9, 2014 and as chairman of the solicitationBoard in connection with the sale and purchase agreement we entered into in July 2014. Mr. Woodward is the founder of proxies. TheMHW Capital Management, LLC, or MHW, a position he has held since September 2005. MHW specializes in large equity investments in public companies implementing operating strategies to significantly improve their profitability. From 1996 to 2005, Mr. Woodward was the Managing Director for Regan Fund Management, LLC. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Cartesian, Inc. from June 2015 to July 2018, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Chairman of Directors may arrangethe Audit Committee for TSS, Inc., and as the CEO of Innovative Power, LLC. Mr. Woodward holds a BA in economics from Colgate University and a Masters of International Affairs with brokerage housesa concentration in international economics and other custodians, nominees,finance from Columbia University. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

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Andrew J. Miclot, age 68 – Director

Mr. Miclot was appointed to our Board on March 2, 2016. Mr. Miclot has more than 35 years of leadership experience with medical device suppliers and fiduciariesbrings substantial global industry knowledge to forward solicitation materialsour Company. From September 2020 to May 2021, Mr. Miclot was President of Electromedical Products International, Inc., a medical device company treating anxiety, insomnia, depression and pain. Mr. Miclot was the President and Vice Chairman and Director of WishBone Medical, Inc., a pediatric orthopedic company dedicated to the beneficial ownersunmet needs of children suffering from orthopedic challenges from October 2017 to January 2019. He has been on the stock heldIndiana University Alumni Association Advisory Board from October 2016 to October 2021. From October 2015 to January 2018, Mr. Miclot served as President, CEO and Director of record by such persons, and the Company may reimburse themMicro Machine Co., a supplier of medical products for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in so doing. In additionorthopedic and spinal industries. Prior to joining Micro Machine Co., from May 2013 to September 2014, Mr. Miclot was Executive Vice President of MicroTechnologies, Inc., a medical device supplier. Mr. Miclot was General Manager and Senior Vice President of ArthroCare Corporation from June 2009 to March 2013. From January 2008 to March 2009, Mr. Miclot was President, CEO and Director of Ascension Orthopedics, Inc. He was Vice President of Marketing for the solicitation of proxies by use of the mail, the Company may use the services of some of its directors, officers,orthopedic global business unit at Orthofix, Inc. from April 2007 to January 2008, and regular employees (who will receive no compensation therefrom in additionfrom March 1994 to their regular salaries) to solicit proxies personally or by mail or telephone.



PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTOR

TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE RE-ELECTION OF RICHARD E. FORKEY TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes that are as nearly equal in number as possible, with staggered terms of office. Only one class is elected each year. Each director serves a three year term and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified. The Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors at six. The directors in Class III, Joseph N. Forkey and Richard Miles, will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2011 and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. The Class II directors, Joel R. Pitlor and Donald A. Major, will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2010 and until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified. The director in Class I, Richard E. Forkey, will hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2009 and is standing for re-election.

The names, ages, business experience for at least the last five years, and certain other information regarding the current directors, are as follows:

Name
 Age
 Director
Since

 Principal Occupation; Directorships of Other Public Companies

Richard E. Forkey(2)

 69 1982 President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and a director of our Company since founding our Company in 1982; Clerk of our Company from May 1983 to June 1990.

Joseph N. Forkey(1)(2)

 

41

 

2006

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of our Company since April 2006; Chief Scientist of our Company from September 2003 to April 2006. Prior to joining our Company, Dr. Forkey spent seven years at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School as a postdoctoral fellow and research staff member.

Joel R. Pitlor(1)

 

71

 

1990

 

Since 1979, Mr. Pitlor has been President of J.R. Pitlor, a management consulting firm that provides strategic business planning, which Mr. Pitlor founded. Mr. Pitlor has provided business planning consultation to our Company since 1983.

Donald A. Major(1)

 

48

 

2005

 

Since 2002, Mr. Major has served as Vice President and Treasurer of Anderson Entertainment, LLC (formerly Digital Excellence LLC). From October 2006 to May 2007, Mr. Major served as Vice President of Corporate Development of Advanced Duplication Services LLC. Since October 2007, Mr. Major's primary occupation has been as an independent consultant to a private equity firm where he is engaged in identifying, evaluating and implementing corporate investment opportunities.


Name
 Age
 Director
Since

 Principal Occupation; Directorships of Other Public Companies

Richard Miles(1)

 

66

 

2005

 

Since 1972, Professor Miles has been a member of the faculty at Princeton University, and serves as the Director of the Applied Physics Group in Princeton University's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.


(1)
Directors whose terms do not expire this year.

(2)
Richard E. Forkey is the father of Joseph N. Forkey.

Director Independence

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, the individuals named in the table aboveApril 2007, he served as membersSenior Vice President with Symmetry Medical Inc., a medical device supplier and was also the Investor Relations Officer, after the NYSE IPO in December 2004 until April 2007. Mr. Miclot has a BA degree in Speech and Hearing and a MA degree in Audiology from Indiana University and an MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of our Board of Directors. Of those individuals, Messrs. Pitlor, Major andManagement, earned in 1991.

Dr. Richard B. Miles, are "independent" as defined in Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Our common stock is traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board, referredage 80 – Director

Professor Richard B. Miles was appointed to herein as the OTCBB. The OTCBB does not have a requirement that we have a majority of independent directors on our Board.

Board of Directors

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, our Board of Directors held two meetings and acted by unanimous written consentin November 2005. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 1972 with a thesis on two occasions. Each director attended at least 75%nonlinear optics. He was a member of the meetingsMechanical and Aerospace Engineering faculty at Princeton University from 1972 until 2013, at which time he retired from his Princeton academic appointment and became Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar. From 1980 to 1996 he served as Chairman of Engineering Physics at Princeton. In 2017 he joined Texas A&M University and was appointed TEES Eminent Professor of Aerospace Engineering. In 2019 he was named Distinguished University Professor and is currently the holder of the Board of Directors.

While we have no formal policy in place regarding board members' attendance at annual meetings of stockholders, we encourage their attendance at such annual meetings. There were three membersO’Donnell Foundation Chair V. He is a member of the BoardNational Academy of Directors in attendance at our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Information as to ownership of our securities by the nominee for director is included under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."

While the Board does not have a standing nominating committee, it does have a standing Audit CommitteeEngineering and a standing Compensation Committee.

Audit Committee

The Audit CommitteeFellow of the BoardNational Academy of Directors is currently composed of Messrs. Major and Miles. The Audit Committee has adopted a charter which is included as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. The Audit Committee's primary function is to assist the Board of Directors in monitoring the integrity of our Company's financial statements, systems of internal control and the independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee's specifically enumerated powers and responsibilities include hiring and terminating the independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving any engagements of the independent registered public accounting firm for audit and all permitted non-audit services. The Audit Committee held four meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. Each of the Audit Committee members attended 100% of the meetings of the Audit Committee held during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.


The Board of Directors has made a determination that Mr. Major, Chair of the Audit Committee, qualifies as an audit committee financial expert meeting the criteria set forth in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. We have determined that Mr. Major is "independent" as independence for audit committee members is defined in Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Mr. Major has an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements and has the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves.Inventors. He also has over seven years of experience, including five years in a supervisory capacity, auditing, analyzing and evaluating financial statements that had a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our Company's financial statements. Additionally, Mr. Major served as the Chief Financial Officer to several public and private companies over a span of 18 years where he was responsible for preparing financial statements. He has an understanding of internal controls over financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions. Mr. Major earned his BA in Accounting in 1984 from Michigan State University.

Compensation Committee

The Board of Directors formed a compensation committee in April 2006. The Compensation Committee is currently composed of Messrs. Major and Miles, with Mr. Major serving as Chair of the committee. The Compensation Committee does not have a charter. The Compensation Committee's primary functions are to provide a general review of our Company's compensation and benefit arrangements and to review and establish compensation practices and policies for our officers. The Compensation Committee held no meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

Director Nomination Procedures

We believe that it is appropriate not to have a standing nominating committee because of the small size of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors as a whole identifies and evaluates nominees for election to the Board of Directors. By having the Board of Directors as a whole consider and evaluate nominees, the Board of Directors weighs the input of all directors.

The process by which the Board of Directors considers nominees for membershipserves on the Board of Directors is flexible and based, generally, on the directors' assessment of the needs of our CompanyHertz Foundation and the extent to which existing directors meet those needs. Factors considered by the Board of Directors in evaluatingTrustees of Pacific University, Oregon and is a Fellow of the suitabilityOptical Society of America (OSA) and the American Institute Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). In 1997 he founded Plasma TEC, Inc, and currently serves as its CEO. Professor Miles is a potential nominee may include, but not be limited to: businessvaluable member of our Board due to his depth of scientific experience and management experience, familiarity with the field of our Company's industrytechnologies, insight into the academic community, and products,familiarity with the abilitylatest developments and innovations in science and technology.

Peter V. Anania, age 68 – Director

On October 6, 2021, our Board appointed Mr. Peter V. Anania as a class II director for a three-year term or until his successor is duly elected or qualified. Peter V. Anania is President of Anania & Associates which he founded in 1987, and Anania & Associates Investment Company LLC, a private investment firm focused on privately held, manufacturing businesses which he founded in January 2008. Since November 2000, he serves as President and on the Board of Microwave Techniques LLC, Elmet Technologies, LLC, Polymer Laboratories & Solutions LLC and mWave Industries LLC. He has served in operating and board positions of numerous private companies in which he has invested and performed management consulting services to integrate with existing directorsnon-portfolio companies. Mr. Anania served on the Windham Town Council from 2011 to 2014, board of the Windham Economic Development Corporation, Maine Heritage Policy Center (Chairman); is a current Corporator for Bangor Savings Bank; an Emeritus Board member of the Maine International Trade Center participating in trade missions to Korea, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Taiwan, Singapore, Germany, the Netherlands and Mexico; and serves as a charter member of Maine's District Export Council helping small businesses expand their export sales. He previously served on the board of the USM Alumni Association, the Family Crisis Center, the United Way Allocation Committee and Raye’s Mustard Mill in Eastport. Mr. Anania has a B.A. from the University of Maine in marketing and management and an MBA from the extent to which a potential nominee may satisfy applicable requirements such as independence or expertise requirements under the securities laws.University of Southern Maine.

The Board of Directors will consider director nominees recommended by stockholders and will assess the qualities of the candidate and needs of our Company as described above. Such recommendations should include the name, age, address, telephone number, principal occupation, background and qualifications of the nominee and the name, address, telephone number of and number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the stockholder making the recommendation and should be sent to our Clerk at 22 East Broadway, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440. Such recommendations should be submitted to our Clerk prior to June 15 of the respective year in order to give us adequate time in order to consider the recommendations.


All of the stockholders holding shares of our common stock are entitled to cast one vote in person or by proxy for each share standing in their names and are entitled to elect one Class I director at the 2009 Annual Meeting. If a nominee is not available as a candidate when the election occurs, the persons named in the proxy may, in their discretion, vote for the election of such other person as the Board of Directors may designate or reduce the number of directors correspondingly. We have no reason to believe the nominee will not be available for election.

The Board recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the nominee for election to the Board. Proxies will be voted in favor of the nominee unless a stockholder has indicated otherwise in the proxy.


OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters that will be presented or acted upon at the 2009 Annual Meeting. If any other matter is properly presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting on which a vote may properly be taken, the shares represented by proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting those shares.



EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table below identifies our executive officers as of June 30, 2009:

Name
Age

Offices

Richard E. Forkey

9
 69President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer

Joseph N. Forkey, age 55 – Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer and Director

Dr. Joseph N. Forkey

41

Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer

Jack P. Dreimiller

61

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Clerk

Mr. Richard E. Forkey has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer andsince February 8, 2011. Dr. Forkey has been a directormember of our Board of Directors since he founded our Company in 1982.2006. He served as our ClerkChairman of our Board of Directors from May 1983February 2011 to June 1990.

Dr. Joseph N. Forkey, son of Richard E. Forkey,July 2014. He served hasas our Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer sincefrom April 2006 to February 2011, and served asheld the position of our Chief Scientist from September 2003 to April 2006. Since joining our Company,us, he has been involved in general technical and management activities of our Company, as well as investigations of opportunities that leverage our newly developed technologies. Dr. Forkey holds B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Physics from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. Prior to joining our Company,us, Dr. Forkey spent seven years at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School as a postdoctoral fellow and research staff member. Dr. Forkey is a valuable member of our Board due to his depth of scientific, operating, strategic, transactional, and senior management experience in our industry. Additionally, Dr. Forkey has held positions of increasing responsibility at our Company and holds an intimate knowledge of our Company due to his longevity in the industry and with us.

Jack P. Dreimiller has served as our Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer

Board Meetings and Clerk since August 15, 2008Committees, Annual Meeting Attendance

Our Board of Directors held 6 meetings during fiscal year 2023, and also served as our Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officerin addition, took action from April 1992 until June 2005 and our Clerk from January 1998 until June 2005. Since June 2005, he has served as an independent consultant serving various roles as financial/accounting executive, including interim Chief Financial Officer, for atime to time by unanimous written consent. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of companies. From June 2005meetings of the Board of Directors held during the period for which such Director served on our Board of Directors and of the Committees on which such director served.

It is the policy of the Company to December 2005, he was an independent consultantencourage, but not to our Company.require, nonemployee directors of the Company to attend each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, either in person at the location of the Annual Meeting or through remote participation by videoconference or otherwise.


CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Director Independence, Related Person Transactions and Other Legal Information

Independent Directors

We have an arrangement with J.R. Pitlor,determine independence using the definitions set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules and the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These definitions define independence based on whether the director or a company wholly-owned by Mr. Joel R. Pitlor, our director, under which Mr. Pitlor provides consulting services to our Company for a fee currently not to exceed $5,000 per month. These consulting services consist primarily of advice regarding marketing, strategic planning and other general business issues. Either party may terminate this arrangement at will. We paid or accrued to J.R. Pitlor for consulting services aggregate fees of $60,000, or $5,000 per month, for eachfamily member of the fiscal years 2009 and 2008. $85,000 of this amountdirector has been deferred, and Mr. Pitlor has agreed that such fees may be paidemployed by the Company in the formpast three years, how much compensation or other payments the director or family member of our restricted common stock.a director received from the Company over the past three years, how much stock the director or family member of the director owns in the Company and whether the director or family member of the director is associated with the Company’s independent auditor.

We lease our facility in Gardner, Massachusetts from Equity Assets, Inc., a company wholly-owned

The Board has determined that Messrs. Woodward, Miclot and Miles are independent as defined by Mr. Richard E. Forkey, our President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and director. We are currently a tenant-at-will, paying rentRule 5605(a)(2) of $9,000 per month, or an aggregate of $108,000 per year, for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2008.the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

Related Person Transactions

It is our policy that all employees, officers and directors must avoid any activity that is or has the appearance of conflicting with the interests of our Company. This policy is included in our Corporate Code of Ethics and Conduct, and our Employee Manual. We conduct a review ofOur Board reviews all related party transactions for potential conflictsconflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis and all such transactions relating to executive officers and directors must be approved by the Audit Committee.Board. In carrying out this responsibility, the Board has determined that we have the following related party transactions.


A conflict

(a) As partial consideration for the October 2021 acquisition of interest occurs when the private interestLighthouse Imaging, and as part of an employeeAsset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 4, 2021, we agreed to pay up to $1,500,000 in two annual installments of up to $750,000, each contingent upon the Lighthouse Imaging division achieving stated levels of gross margin for the given twelve month earn-out period. As of June 30, 2022, the first annual earn-out liability of $750,000 for the period ending September 30, 2022 was written off to other income due to the Company’s determination that the Lighthouse Imaging division would not achieve the minimum gross margin requirement for that first earn-out installment. On March 28, 2023, the Company and holders of rights to participate in the remaining earn-out installment entered into an amendment (i) reducing the stated gross margin target and threshold for the second earn-out period (the twelve months ending September 1, 2023) but also (ii) reducing the maximum earn-out payment for such second period, to $600,000. Under the amendment, the participating holders also confirmed the accuracy of prior calculations under the Asset Purchase Agreement and confirmed the absence of any prior disputes relating to the first annual earn-out payment. As of June 30, 2023, the final annual earn-out liability of $600,000 for the period ending September 30, 2023 was written off to other income due to the Company’s determination that the Lighthouse Imaging division would not achieve the minimum gross margin requirement for that final earn-out installment.

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(b) Christopher J. DiRubio, the adult son of our Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jeffrey L. DiRubio, purchased 3,333 shares of our stock in a private placement by the Company that closed on June 20, 2023.

(c) H2C 2020 LLC purchased 3,334 shares of our stock in a private placement by the Company that closed on June 20, 2023. The equity owners of H2C 2020 LLC include the adult daughter and son-in-law of our Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jeffrey L. DiRubio.

Arrangements or Understandings between our Executive Officers or Directors and Others

There are no arrangements or understandings between our executive officers or directors and any other person pursuant to which he was or is to be selected as a director (or an immediate family or household member) interferes,officer.

Other Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

None of our directors have been involved in any way —bankruptcy or even appearscriminal proceedings, nor have there been any judgments or injunctions brought against any of our directors during the last ten years that we consider material to interfere — with the duties performedevaluation of the ability and integrity of any director.

Information about Corporate Governance

Board Leadership Structure

Mr. Woodward has served as our Chairman of our Board of Directors since July 9, 2014. Dr. Forkey has been our Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer since February 8, 2011. Dr. Forkey manages the day-to-day affairs of our Company. Our independent directors, Dr. Miles serves on our Board of Directors since November 2005, Mr. Miclot since March 2016 and Mr. Anania since October 2021. Our Board believes that having a majority of independent directors serves our Company well. The Board believes that its structure should be informed by the employee or director or with the interestsneeds and circumstances of our Company, the Board, and our shareholders. With this in mind, the Board believes that its structure is currently serving our Company well, and intends to maintain this where appropriate and practicable in the future.

Risk Oversight of Management

The Board of Directors oversees management regarding our Company’s risks. Our management keeps the Board of Directors apprised of significant risks facing our Company and the approach being taken to understand, manage and mitigate such risks. Additional review or reporting on enterprise risks is conducted as needed or as requested by the Board of Directors.

Director Nominations

The Board of Directors nominates directors for election at each annual meeting of shareholders and appoints new directors to fill vacancies when they arise. The Board is responsible for the identification, evaluation, recruitment of qualified candidates to the Board of Directors for nomination or election. It is the policy of the Company that the Board seek recommendations from the independent directors as to each person considered for nomination or election as a whole. A conflict situation can arise when an employee, officer ordirector.

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One of the Board of Directors’ objectives in evaluating director takes actions or has interestsnominations is to ensure that its membership is composed of experienced and dedicated individuals with a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The Board selects nominees for director based on the nominee's character, judgment, diversity of experience, business acumen, and ability to act on behalf of all shareholders. We do not have a formal diversity policy; however, the Board endeavors to have a Board representing diverse viewpoints as well as diverse expertise at policy-making levels in many areas, including business, accounting and finance, manufacturing, marketing and sales, education, legal, government affairs, regulatory affairs, research and development, business development, technology and in other areas that are relevant to our activities.

The Board believes that nominees for director should have experience, such as those mentioned above, that may makebe useful to our Company and the Board of Directors, high personal and professional ethics and the willingness and ability to devote sufficient time to carry out effectively their duties as directors. The Board believes it difficultis appropriate for at least one, and, preferably, multiple, members of the Board of Directors to perform his or her work objectivelymeet the criteria for an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by rules of the SEC, and effectively. Conflictsfor a majority of interestthe members of the Board of Directors to meet the definition of “independent director” as defined by the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Board also arise when an employee, officer orbelieves it is appropriate for key members of our management to participate as members of the Board of Directors. Prior to each annual meeting of shareholders, the Board identifies nominees first by evaluating the current directors whose term will expire at the annual meeting and who are willing to continue in service. These candidates are evaluated based on the criteria described above, including as demonstrated by the candidate’s prior service as a director, orand the needs of the Board of Directors with respect to the particular talents and experience of its directors. In the event that a memberdirector does not wish to continue in service, the Board determines not to re-nominate the director, a vacancy is created on the Board of his or her family, receives improper personal benefitsDirectors as a result of his or her positiona resignation, an increase in our Company.

We require that all employees, officers and directors report to the Chief Financial Officer and/or the Audit Committee any conduct that the individual believes to be a violation of law or business ethics or of any provisionsize of the Code,Board or other event, the Board will consider various candidates for Board membership, including any transactionthose suggested by Board members, officers, employees, customers, vendors, by an executive search firm engaged by the Board or relationshipby shareholders.

The Board of Directors will consider candidates for director positions that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict. Violations, including failures to report potential violationsare recommended by others, will be viewed as a severe disciplinary matter that may result in personnel action, including termination of employment.

To this end, our employees, officers or directors may not be employed by, act as a consultant to, or have an independent business relationship with any of our customers, competitorsstockholders. Any such recommendation should be provided to our Secretary. The recommended candidate should be submitted to us in writing addressed to our Secretary, c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., 22 East Broadway, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440. The recommendation should include the following information: name of candidate; address, phone and fax number of candidate; a statement signed by the candidate certifying that the candidate wishes to be considered for nomination to our Board of Directors and stating why the candidate believes that he or suppliers. Norshe would be a valuable addition to our Board of Directors; a summary of the candidate’s work experience for the prior five years and the number of shares of our stock beneficially owned by the candidate.

The Board will evaluate the recommended candidate and shall determine whether or not to proceed with the candidate in accordance with our procedures. We reserve the right to change our procedures at any time to comply with the requirements of applicable laws.

Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors

If you wish to communicate with the Board of Directors, you may employees, officerssend your communication in writing to: Secretary, c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., 22 East Broadway, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440. Please include your name and address in the written communication and indicate whether you are a shareholder of Precision Optics. The Secretary will review any communication received from a shareholder, and all material communications from shareholders will be forwarded to the appropriate director or directors invest in any customer, supplier, or competitor (other than through mutual funds or through holdings of less than 2 percentCommittee of the outstanding sharesBoard of publicly traded securities) unless they first obtain written permission fromDirectors based on the subject matter.

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Director Compensation

The following table sets forth cash amounts and the value of other compensation paid to our directors, but does not include the compensation of Dr. Joseph N. Forkey, our Chief Executive Officer. Employees, officers or directors may not divulge or use our confidential information — suchOfficer, President, and Treasurer, as financial data, customer information, and computer programs — for their own personal or business purposes.

Any personal or business activities by an employee, officer or director that may raisehis compensation is reflected in the foregoing concerns must be disclosed to and approved in advance by our Chief Financial Officer. The Audit Committee will determine whether violations of the Code have occurred and, if so, will determine the disciplinary measures to be taken against any employee who has violated the Code. Disciplinary measures, which may be invoked at the discretion of the Audit Committee, include, but are not limited to, oral or written warnings, disciplinary probation, suspension, reductions in salary, demotion or termination of employment.


SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our securities to file with the Securities Exchange Commission, or SEC, reports of ownership and changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of our Company. Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

To our knowledge, based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to us duringSummary Executive Compensation Table. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 20092023, our Board of Directors determined that Dr. Joseph N. Forkey was our employee director and, Forms 5therefore, would not earn any fees related to service on our Board.

Name of Director 

Fees earned or paid

in cash
($)(1)

Option awards

($)(2)

Total
($)
Andrew J. Miclot  16,250 101,551117,801
Richard B. Miles  8,750 101,551110,301
Peter V. Anania  8,750 101,551110,301
Peter H. Woodward  40,000 (2)153,327192,327

_______________________

(1)Under our director compensation plan, each non-management, non-Chairman board member received $1,250 for the first quarter of FY 2023. For the remainder of FY 2023, each non-Chairman board member received $2,500 quarterly and Mr. Miclot received an additional $2,500 quarterly as chair of the Compensation Committee. We also reimburse our directors for travel expenses. Mr. Woodward receives $10,000 per quarter for the performance of services as Chairman.
(2)On November 16, 2022, options to purchase up to 6,666 shares of common stock were granted to Mr. Miclot, Dr. Miles, and Mr. Anania, and up to 10,000 shares to Mr. Woodward, at an exercise price of $6.26 per share. On January 16, 2023, options to purchase up to 13,334 shares of common stock were granted to Mr. Miclot, Dr. Miles, and Mr. Anania, and up to 20,000 shares to Mr. Woodward, at an exercise price of $6.26 per share. All such options were exercisable at the date of grant and by their terms will expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date.

As of October 10, 2023, the following outstanding stock options were held by each of our directors: Andrew J. Miclot – 59,998, Dr. Richard B. Miles – 60,998, Peter V. Anania – 26,666, Peter H. Woodward – 90,000.

Narrative to Director Compensation Table

Under our director compensation plan, each non-management, non-Chairman board member shall receive $5,000 annually paid in quarterly amounts of $1,250. In accordance with a separate agreement, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Woodward, receives $10,000 per quarter for the greater time commitment required to perform the duties of Chairman of the Board. We also reimburse our directors for travel expenses.

Executive Officers

Executive Officers’ Biographies and amendments thereto furnishedQualifications

The biographies of our executive officers and certain information regarding each officer’s experience, attributes, skills and/or qualifications that led to usthe conclusion that the officer should be serving as an officer of Precision Optics are stated below.

Dr. Joseph Forkey, age 55 – President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

For Mr. Forkey’s biography, please refer to the section entitled “Director Biographies and Qualifications.”

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Wayne M. Coll

Mr. Coll was elected as Chief Financial Officer and Secretary effective June 12, 2023. Mr. Coll has over 30 years of senior financial executive experience, primarily with respectmedical device-based businesses. He formerly served as Chief Financial Officer for Flowonix Medical Incorporated (2021-2023), Micron Products, Inc. (2019-2021), Keystone Dental, Inc. (2018-2019), and Modern Dental Laboratory USA, LLC (2013-2018). Mr. Coll received a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Lowell, and an M.B.A. from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Mahesh Lawande

Mr. Lawande was elected as Chief Operating Officer on April 24, 2023. Mr. Lawande has senior operations and engineering experience primarily with medical technology-based businesses. He formerly served as Senior Director of Supply Chain Operations in North America for Draeger Medical Systems, Inc. (2017-2019), Director of Operations for Analogic Corporation (2021-2022), and Vice President – Manufacturing and Operations for Third Pole Therapeutics (2022-2023). Mr. Lawande received a B.E. in Electronics and Communications from Goa University, India, and an M.B.A. in Corporate Entrepreneurship and Strategy from F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College.

Other Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

None of our executive officers have been involved in any bankruptcy or criminal proceedings, nor have there been any judgments or injunctions brought against any of our executive officers during the last ten years that we consider material to suchthe evaluation of the ability and integrity of any executive officer.

Executive Compensation

Named Executive Officers

This Proxy Statement contains information about the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers, as defined by Item 402(m)(2) of Regulation S-K, during our fiscal year no person required to file reports under Section 16(a)ended June 30, 2023. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange ActCommission for smaller reporting companies, we determined that the following officers were our Named Executive Officers:

·Joseph N. Forkey, Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer and Director;
·Wayne M. Coll, Chief Financial Officer; and
·Mahesh Lawande, Chief Operating Officer.

Compensation Overview

We qualify as a “smaller reporting company” under the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and we have elected to comply with the disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies. Accordingly, this executive compensation summary is not intended to meet the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” disclosure required of 1934 failedlarger reporting companies.

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Role of the Board

The Board of Directors oversees and determines executive compensation and reviews our major compensation plans, policies and programs. All compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer is determined by the full Board of Directors, with the exception of the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Forkey, who recuses himself and does not participate in the determination or discussion of his own compensation. The Board is charged with the responsibility of reviewing the performance and establishing the total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer on an annual basis. The Board often discusses compensation matters as part of regularly scheduled Board meetings. The Board administers our incentive plans and is responsible for approving grants of equity awards under such plans. We believe that our Board adequately fulfilled its role in overseeing our compensation policies in the past.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Due to filethe size of our Company, the performance of our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our Chief Operating Officer directly affects all aspects of our results. Consequently, our compensation philosophy is to reward these executive officers for the achievement of short- and long-term corporate and individual performance, as measured by the attainment of specific goals for the creation of long-term shareholder value. Also, to ensure that we are strategically and competitively positioned for the future, the Board has the discretion to attribute significant weight to other factors in determining executive compensation, such reports on a timely basis during such fiscal year.



EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
as maintaining competitiveness, expanding markets, pursuing growth opportunities and achieving other long-range business and operating objectives. The level of compensation should also allow us to attract, motivate, and retain talented executive officers that contribute to our long-term success. The compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer is comprised of cash compensation and long-term incentive compensation in the form of base salary, restricted stock and stock options with the possibility to earn bonuses.

Summary Compensation Table for the Years Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

The following table sets forth all compensation for the last two completedour fiscal years ended June 30, 20092023 and 20082022 awarded to, earned by, or paid to our Principal Executive Officer, Vice Presidentour most highly compensated executive officer and Chief Scientific Officer and oneour most highly compensated employee, all of our employees,which are referred to herein as the "Named“Named Executive Officers." No other executive officer or employee earned over $100,000 in the last completed fiscal year.


Name and Principal Position Year
June 30,
 Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Option
Awards
($) (1)
Total
($)
Dr. Joseph N. Forkey 2023 240,385 0 0 (2)240,385
Director, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer 2022 250,000 0 0 250,000
Daniel S. Habhegger (3) 2023 132,421 0 0 (4)132,421
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary 2022 193,630 20,000 (5)0 213,630
Jeffrey L. DiRubio 2023 203,148 83,482 (6)0 286,630
Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing 2022 168,002 29,316 (7)150,082 (8)347,400

(1)Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards granted in the respective fiscal year as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the amounts in this column may be found in the Notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023 set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the executives during the fiscal years presented.

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(2)We granted Dr. Forkey a performance stock option to purchase up to 16,667 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.85 per share, the closing price of our common stock on November 1, 2022. The options vest on a formula basis, subject to satisfaction of stated EBITDA targets and stated management objectives. At the time of this filing the performance targets were not met and the options thereby failed to vest.
(3)Mr. Habhegger resigned as an employee and officer effective February 14, 2023.
(4)We granted Mr. Habhegger a performance stock option to purchase up to 16,667 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.85 per share, the closing price of our common stock on November 1, 2022. The options vest on a formula basis, subject to satisfaction of stated EBITDA targets and stated management objectives. Due to Mr. Habhegger’s departure, the performance targets were not met and the options thereby failed to vest.
(5)Represents the fair value of performance bonus award paid in the form of common stock.
(6)Represents performance bonus awards for the respective fiscal year.
(7)Represents performance bonus awards for the respective fiscal year.
(8)We granted Mr. DiRubio a stock option to purchase up to 33,333 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.27 per share, the closing price of our common stock on February 7, 2022. These options vest in three pro rata increments on February 7, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008

Name and principal
position
(a)

 Year
June 30,
(b)

 Salary
($)
(c)

 Bonus
($)
(d)

 Stock
awards
($)
(e)

 Option
awards
($)
(f)

 Non-equity
incentive
plan
compensation
($)
(g)

 Non-qualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
($)
(h)

 All other
compensation
($)
(i)

 Total
($)
(j)

 
  
Richard E. Forkey                   
President, Principal                   
Executive Officer 2009 $195,000(4)-0- -0- -0- -0- -0- $22,162(1)(2) $217,162 
and Treasurer 2008 $195,000(4)-0- -0- -0- -0- -0- $24,547(1)(2) $219,547 

Joseph N. Forkey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Executive Vice President and Chief 2009 $120,000(4)-0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- $120,000 
Scientific Officer 2008 $120,000(4)-0- -0- -0- -0- -0- $1,200(3) $121,200 

Richard G. Cyr

 

2009

 

$119,025

 

-0-

 

-0-

 

-0-

 

-0-

 

-0-

 

-0-

 

$119,025

 
Optical Shop Manager 2008 $117,027 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- $1,236(3) $118,263 

(1)
Includes car expense of $2,100 for 2009 and 2008.

(2)
Includes premiums for a life insurance policy and a disability insurance policy of $18,162 for 2009 and $18,579 for 2008, and $1,968 for our Company's matching contribution to the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan for 2008.

(3)
Represents our Company's matching contribution to the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan.

(4)
Based on new compensation arrangements approved by the Board of Directors on April 15, 2008 for the President and for the Chief Scientific

Named Executive Officer $163,848 and $12,000, respectively, of these amounts were deferred in 2009 and $66,883 and $923, respectively, were deferred in 2008, and will be paid in the form of restricted stock that will be subject to future performance based vesting.

Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment ArrangementsAgreements

Agreement with Dr. Forkey

On April 15, 2008, theJuly 27, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a new compensation arrangements for Richard E.agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Dr, Joseph Forkey, and Joseph N. Forkey.effective August 2, 2018. Pursuant to these arrangements,the agreement, we agreed to pay Dr. Forkey a portionbase salary of $200,000 per year beginning retroactively on July 1, 2018. Effective October 1, 2019, our Board of Directors approved an increase of Dr. Forkey’s base salary to $250,000 per year.

Agreement with Mr. Habhegger

Effective December 1, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Daniel S. Habhegger to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Habhegger resigned as Chief Financial Officer effective January 6, 2023, and resigned as an employee and officer effective February 14, 2023. At the date of his resignation, his salary was $200,000 per annum.

Agreement with Mr. DiRubio

As of February 7, 2022, we entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. DiRubio to serve as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Precision Optics Corporation. The agreement covers a period of one year from January 1, 2022, subject to automatic annual renewals unless earlier terminated or unless either party gives at least 30 days’ notice of nonrenewal. Mr. DiRubio will receive base salary of $190,000 per year, plus formulaic cash bonuses based on specified financial results versus budget. For the period January 1 through June 30, 2022, Mr. DiRubio earned a revenue-based bonus of $22,670 and gross margin-based bonus of $6,594. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, his maximum aggregate cash bonus would be $125,000, subject to meeting or exceeding targeted financial result targets for the year. Under his Agreement, Mr. DiRubio also received a one-time stock option award for the purchase of up to 33,333 shares of Company common stock at an exercise price of $6.27 per share, to vest in pro rata increments on February 7, 2023, 2024 and 2025. If Mr. DiRubio is terminated without cause by the Company during the first year of the agreement, he shall receive a lump-sum $47,500 cash severance payment and all unexercised stock options shall vest immediately and be exercisable for the remainder of their term. If Mr. DiRubio is terminated without cause subsequent to the first year of the Agreement, he shall receive a lump-sum cash severance payment equal to one-fourth his then current annual salary (not including bonus). The agreement also provides that during the term of his employment and for twelve months thereafter, Mr. DiRubio agrees not to compete with the Company, solicit employees, vendors or customers for purposes that do not directly benefit the Company or to interfere in any way with the Company’s relationship with any vendors or customers.

16

Agreement with Mr. Coll

As of June 12, 2023, we entered into an Employment Agreement with Wayne M. Coll to serve as our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, pursuant to which we agreed to pay Mr. Coll a base salary as detailed in the Summary Compensation Table and related footnotes, would be deferred and paid in the form of $300,000 per year. We also granted Mr. Coll a stock option to purchase up to 50,000 shares of our restricted common stock. The common stock will be subjectat $6.94 per share, with annual vesting in three equal increments beginning June 12, 2024.

Agreement with Mr. Lawande

As of April 24, 2023, we entered into an Employment Agreement with Mahesh Lawande to serve as our Chief Operating Officer, pursuant to which we agreed to pay Mr. Lawande a base salary of $275,000 per year. We also granted Mr. Lawande a stock option to purchase up to 60,000 shares of common stock at $6.40 per share, with annual vesting schedule based on certain performance criteria being met.in three equal increments beginning April 24, 2024.

Except as

Apart from the agreements described above, we have no other employment contracts agreements or arrangements in place with any Named Executive Officer. We have noOfficer or any compensatory plan or arrangement with respect to any Named Executive Officer where such plan or arrangement will result in payments to such Named Executive Officer upon or following his resignation, or other termination of employment with us and our Company and its



subsidiaries, or as a result of a change-in-control of our Company or a change in the Named Executive Officers'Officers’ responsibilities following a change-in-control.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table shows grants of options outstanding on June 30, 2009, the last day of our fiscal year, to each of the Named Executive Officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009

Option awards
2023

Name
(a)

 Number of
securities underlying
unexercised options
(#)
exercisable
(b)

 Number of
securities underlying
unexercised options
(#)
unexercisable
(c)

 Option
exercise
price
($)
(e)

 Option
expiration
date
(f)

 

Richard E. Forkey

  14,944  0 $13.75 5/9/2016

  14,944  0 $20.75 6/13/2015

Joseph N. Forkey

  

     600

  

0

 
$

13.75
 

5/9/2016

  11,208  0 $13.75 6/13/2015

  22,416  0 $20.75 6/13/2015

Richard G. Cyr

  

7,534

  

2,666(1)

 
$

13.75
 

5/9/2016


(1)
These

The following table shows grants of options will become exercisable in equal installmentsoutstanding on May 9, 2010 and May 9, 2011.

Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

We did not grant stock options duringJune 30, 2023, the last day of our most recent fiscal year, ended June 30, 2009 to anyeach of ourthe Named Executive Officers.

Long Term Incentive Plans; Awards in Last Fiscal Year

We did not grant awards under a long-term incentive planOfficers included in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.Summary Executive Compensation Table.

Name 

Number of securities
underlying unexercised
options

Exercisable

  Number of securities
underlying unexercised
options Unexercisable
  Option
exercise
price ($)
  Option
expiration
date
Dr. Joseph N. Forkey  116,666   0   2.19  08/02/2028
   50,000   0   5.04  06/04/2031
               
Daniel S. Habhegger  26,666   0   5.04  06/04/2031
               
Jeffrey DiRubio  33,333   0   3.90  05/17/2029
   8,333   0   5.04  06/04/2031
   11,111   22,222   6.27  02/07/2032

Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan

We have a defined contribution 401(k) profit sharing plan, referred to as the "Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan" or the "Plan."plan. Employer profit sharing and matching contributions to the Planplan are discretionary. No employer profit sharing contributions were made to the Planplan in fiscal year 2009 or 2008. Employeryears 2023 and 2022. No employer matching contributions were made to the plan amounted to $0 and $17,473 forin fiscal years 20092023 and 2008, respectively.2022.

Proposal No. 2 – Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act added Section 14A to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As required pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, Proposal No. 2 is a non-binding, advisory proposal on the compensation that we paid to our Named Executive Officers for the year ended June 30, 2021. The Board of Directors is providing shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives you, as a shareholder, the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive compensation programs and policies and the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for the year ended June 30, 2023.


17

We believe in the power of open disclosure and know the only way to build and strengthen our reputation and our Company is through honesty and trust. In connection with that belief and as required by SEC rules, we are asking our shareholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation that we paid to our Named Executive Officers.

As discussed under the heading “Executive Compensation—Compensation Overview” in this Proxy Statement, our compensation objectives are to: attract and retain highly qualified individuals with a demonstrated record of achievement; reward past performance; provide incentives for future performance; and align the interests of the Named Executive Officers with the interests of our shareholders. The Board is asking shareholders to support this proposal based on the disclosure set forth in these sections of this Proxy Statement, which, among other things, demonstrates:

·our commitment to ensuring executive compensation is aligned with our corporate strategies and business objectives and competitive with those of other companies in our industry;

·the design of our compensation programs is intended to reward our Named Executive Officers for the achievement of key strategic and financial performance measures by linking short- and long-term cash and equity incentives to the achievement of measurable corporate and individual performance goals; and

·our strong emphasis on the alignment of the incentives of our Named Executive Officers with the creation of increased shareholder value.

Required Vote

Because this proposal asks for a non-binding, advisory vote, there is no required vote that would constitute approval. We value the opinions expressed by our shareholders in this advisory vote, and our Compensation Committee, which is responsible for overseeing and administering our executive compensation programs, will consider the outcome of the vote when designing our compensation programs and making future compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers. Abstentions and broker “non-votes,” if any, will not have any impact on this advisory vote.

Your Board of Directors is asking shareholders to cast a non-binding, advisory vote FOR the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s shareholders hereby approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the compensation tables and accompanying narrative disclosure under the heading “Executive Compensation.”

18

SHARE OWNERSHIP

Director

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth all compensation paid to our directors during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009:


Director Compensation Table for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009

Name(1)
(a)

 Fees earned
or paid in
cash
($)
(b)

 Stock
awards
($)
(c)

 Option
awards
($)
(d)

 Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
($)
(e)

 Non-qualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
($)
(f)

 All other
compensation
($)
(g)

 Total
($)
(h)

 
  

Joel R. Pitlor

 $500(2) 0 $482(4)(6)0 0 $60,000(5) $60,982 

Donald A. Major

 $7,000(2)(3) 0 $482(4)(7)0 0 0 $7,482 

Richard B. Miles

 $1,000(2) 0 $482(4)(8)0 0 0 $1,482 

(1)
This table does not include directors whose compensation is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.

(2)
We pay each director, who is not also an employee of our Company, $250 per board or committee meeting that the director attends and reimburse the director for travel expenses.

(3)
For his service to our Company in his capacityprovides information as Chair of the Audit Committee, Mr. Major receives compensation of $500 per month, which is in addition to the standard compensation received by all members of the Board of Directors for their services.

(4)
Each of Messrs. Major, Miles and Pitlor were issued options to purchase 400 shares of our common stock at our annual meeting held in November 2008. These options were immediately exercisable at a price per share of $0.05, which was the closing price of our common stock on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board on the date of grant. These options will remain exercisable following a director's departure from service and expire on November 25, 2018. The amounts shown reflect the dollar amounts computed for financial statement reporting purposes for fiscal 2009 in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 123(R), excluding an estimate of forfeitures. Refer to Note 4, "Stockholders' Equity-Stock Options," in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, for the relevant assumptions used to determine the valuation of option awards.

(5)
Mr. Pitlor is paid $60,000 per year, or $5,000 per month, for his services as a consultant to our Company. $60,000 of this amount has been deferred, and Mr. Pitlor has agreed that such fees may be paid in the form of our restricted common stock.

(6)
As of June 30, 2009, Mr. Pitlor held a total of 1,978 options2023 with respect to purchase shares of our common stock.

(7)
As of June 30, 2009, Mr. Major held a total of 2,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock.

(8)
As of June 30, 2009, Mr. Miles held a total of 1,600 options to purchase shares of our common stock.


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Securities Authorized for Issuancecompensation plans under Equity Compensation Plans

As of June 30, 2009,which our equity securities are authorized for issuance, aggregated, are as follows:issuance:

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan CategoryNumber of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rightsWeighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rightsNumber of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders223,5676.20122,665
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders903,5734.0747,789
Total1,127,1404.53170,454

Plan Category
 Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(a)
 Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
(b)
 Number of securities
remaining available
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in
column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders  93,178 $16.17  135,898 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

0

 

 


 

 

0

 
        

Total

 

 

93,178

 

$

16.17

 

 

135,898

 

2011 Equity Incentive PlansPlan

On November 28, 2006, our stockholders approved the 2006

The Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, referred to as the 2006 Incentive2011 Plan, which succeedswas adopted by our Amended and Restated 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, referred to as the 1997 Incentive Plan. No further awards have been or will be granted under the 1997 Incentive Plan. Our Board of Directors had previously approved the 2006 Incentive Plan, subject to the approval of our stockholders.on October 13, 2011. The 2006 Incentive2011 Plan allows for the grantgranting of stock options to selected employees, directors and other persons who provide services to our Companyus or itsour affiliates.

On April 16, 2015, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan which increased the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be awarded under the Plan from 325,000 to 1,825,000, an increase of 1,500,000 shares. In connection therewith, on April 20, 2015, we filed a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the 1,500,000 shares of common stock.

On May 1, 2019, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan to update the Plan for the latest changes to the tax laws and increase the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be awarded under the Plan from 1,825,000 to 2,825,000, an increase of 1,000,000 shares. In connection therewith, on September 6, 2019, we filed a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the 1,000,000 shares of common stock.

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

The Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, referred to as the 2021 Plan, was adopted by our Board of Directors on May 10, 2021. The 2021 Plan allows for the granting of stock options to selected employees, directors and other persons who provide services to us or our affiliates for up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. In connection therewith, we filed a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the 1,000,000 shares of common stock.

2022 Equity Incentive Plan

The Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, referred to as the 2022 Plan, was adopted by our Board of Directors on February 10, 2022, and approved by our stockholders on April 8, 2022. The 2022 Plan allows for the granting of stock options to selected employees, directors and other persons who provide services to us or our affiliates for up to a total of 333,333 shares of the Company’s common stock, which total may be increased annually without a further vote of stockholders in an amount determined by our Board of directors, but not to exceed 5% of the number of outstanding shares of common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding year. As permitted by the Plan, the Board of Directors on September 20, 2023 approved an amendment increasing the number of shares that may be issued under the 2022 Plan by 300,000 shares. The Company plans to file a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the 633,333 shares of common stock issuable under this Plan

19

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table setstables set forth information regarding our common stock beneficially owned as of the close of business on October 1, 200910, 2023 by the following persons: (i) each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock;stock, (ii) each of our directors and nominees for director who beneficially ownowns our Company's or its subsidiaries' common stock;stock, (iii) each of our Named Executive Officers who beneficially own our Company's or its subsidiaries' common stock;stock and (iv) all executive officers and directors, as a group, who beneficially own our Company's or its subsidiaries' common stock.



The information on beneficial ownership in the table and footnotes thereto is based upon data furnished to us by, or on behalf of, the persons listed in the table.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership(1)
 Percent of Class(2) 
AIGH Investment Partners, LLC
6006 Berkeley Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209
  190,208(3) 18.7%

Austin W. Marxe
c/o Special Situations Funds
527 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600, New York, NY 10022

 

 

1,591,337

(4)

 

71.9

%

David M. Greenhouse
c/o Special Situations Funds
527 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600, New York, NY 10022

 

 

1,591,133

(5)

 

71.9

%

Arnold Schumsky
145 East 27th Street
New York, New York 10016

 

 

138,406

(6)

 

12.0

%

Directors and Named Executive Officers

 

 


 

 


 
Joseph N. Forkey
c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440
  34,712(7) 3.3%

Richard E. Forkey
c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440

 

 

42,504

(8)

 

4.1

%

Donald A. Major
c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440

 

 

6,000

(9)

 

*

 

Richard B. Miles
c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440

 

 

5,600

(10)

 

*

 

Joel R. Pitlor
c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440

 

 

193,737

(11)

 

18.0

%

Richard G. Cyr
c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440

 

 

7,534

(12)

 

*

 

All executive officers and directors as a group, including those named above (6 persons)

 

 

283,136

(13)

 

24.7

%

*
Less than 1%

(1)
Represents shares

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to which each beneficial owner listed hasall shares of common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.

In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options held by that person or will have, upon acquisition of such shares upon exercisegroup that are currently exercisable or conversion of options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights exercisable within 60 days after October 10, 2023. We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of October 1, 2009, sole voting and investment power. Amounts listed have been adjustedcomputing the percentage ownership of any other person or group.

Shareholders Known by Us to reflect a 1-for-25 reverse split, effective December 11, 2008.

(2)
AsOwn 5% or More of October 1, 2009, we had 1,018,411Our Common Stock

  Amount of beneficial ownership (1)  Percent of 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Owned  Shares –
Rights to
Acquire
  Total
Number
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)
 
Dolphin Offshore Partners LP (3)
4828 First Coast Highway, STE 5
Fernandina, FL 32034
  561,712   0   561,712   9.27% 
                 
Sandra F., Norman H. and Brian L. Pessin (4)
400 E.51st Street PH 31
New York, NY 10022
  896,728   0   896,728   14.79% 
                 

Hershey Strategic Capital, LP (5)

888 7th Ave., 17th Floor

New York, New York 10019

  328,826   0   328,826   5.43% 
                 

MHW Partners, L.P. (6)

150 East 52nd Street, 30th Fl.

New York, New York 10022

  224,671   90,000   314,671   5.12% 

(1)Represents shares with respect to which each beneficial owner listed has or will have, upon acquisition of such shares upon exercise or conversion of options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights exercisable within 60 sixty days, sole voting and investment power. For the purposes of this table, we have not assumed the limitations on exercise set forth in certain options, which limit the number of shares of common stock that the holder, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by such person, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock.

20

(2)As of October 10, 2023, there were 6,066,518 issued shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Percentages are calculated on the basis of the amount of issued and outstanding common stock plus, for each person or group, any securities that such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.
(3)We relied, in part, on the Schedule 13D/A filed jointly by Dolphin Offshore Partners, L.P., Dolphin Mgmt. Services, Inc. and Peter E. Salas on March 20, 2023 for this information.
Dolphin Offshore Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, is an investment manager. Dolphin Mgmt. Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the managing general partner of Dolphin Offshore Partners, L.P. Peter E. Salas is the President, sole shareholder and controlling person of Dolphin Mgmt. Services, Inc. Peter Salas is a U.S. citizen.
Dolphin Offshore Partners, L.P., Dolphin Mgmt. Services, Inc. and Peter E. Salas each may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 561,712 shares of common stock. Dolphin Offshore Partners, L.P., Dolphin Mgmt. Services, Inc. and Peter E. Salas each may be deemed to have shared power to vote or direct the vote, and dispose or direct the disposition, of all such shares of common stock.
(4)We relied, in part, on a Schedule 13D/A filed jointly with the SEC on November 2, 2022 by Sandra F. Pessin, Brian L. Pessin and Norman H. Pessin. Mr. Norman H. Pessin and Mrs. Sandra F. Pessin are married and considered to beneficially hold each other’s shares. Ms. Pessin owns 477,362 shares, Mr. Norman Pessin owns 38,133 shares and Mr. Brian Pessin owns 381,233 shares for a combined beneficial ownership of 896,728 shares. Norman and Sandra Pessin are the parents of Brian Pessin.
(5)We relied, in part, on the Schedule 13D/A jointly filed by Hershey Strategic Capital, LP, Hershey Management I, LLC and Hershey Strategic Capital GP, LLC on October 10, 2017 for this information. Hershey Management I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is the investment advisor of Hershey Strategic Capital, LP, a Delaware limited partnership. Hershey Strategic Capital GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is the general partner of Hershey Strategic Capital, LP. Adam Hershey is the sole managing member of both Hershey Management I, LLC and Hershey Strategic Capital GP, LLC. As the investment advisor, Hershey Management I, LLC has the voting and dispositive power with respect to all of the shares of common stock owned by Hershey Strategic Capital, LP.
Hershey Strategic Capital, LP beneficially owns 328,826 shares of common stock. Hershey Strategic Capital, LP is managed by Adam Hershey, and in such capacity, Mr. Hershey holds the power to vote and direct the disposition of all shares of common stock owned by Hershey Strategic Capital, LP. Hershey Management I disclaims beneficial ownership in the shares.
(6)We relied, in part, on a Form 4 filed with the SEC on January 18, 2023 by Peter H. Woodward, a Form 4 filed with the SEC on December 1, 2016 by Mr. Woodward, and on a Schedule 13D/A jointly filed with the SEC on November 3, 2015 by MHW Partners, L.P., MHW Capital, LLC, MHW Capital Management, LLC for this information.
MHW Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership. MHW Capital, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company. MHW Capital Management, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company. MHW Capital, LLC is the general partner of MHW Partners, L.P. Mr. Woodward is the principal of MHW Capital Management, LLC and MHW Capital, LLC and in such capacity, Mr. Woodward holds the power to vote and direct the disposition of all shares of common stock owned by MHW Partners, L.P. MHW Partners, L.P., MHW Capital, LLC, MHW Capital Management, LLC and Mr. Woodward share the power to vote and direct the disposition of all shares of common stock owned by MHW Partners, L.P. Mr. Woodward is a citizen of the United States and our current Chairman of our Board of Directors.
MHW Partners, L.P. beneficially owns 224,671 shares of common stock, and 90,000 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options held by Mr. Woodward, all of which have vested.

21

Officers and Directors

    Amount of beneficial ownership (2)  Percent of 
Name and address of beneficial owner (1) Nature of beneficial ownership Shares
Owned
  Shares – Rights
to Acquire
  Total
Number
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned (3)
 
Dr. Joseph N. Forkey (4) Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer and Director  120,847   166,666   287,513   4.6% 
                   
Peter H. Woodward (5) Chairman of the Board of Directors  224,671   90,000   314,671   5.11% 
                   
Dr. Richard B. Miles (6) Director  5,037   60,998   66,035   1.1% 
                   
Andrew J. Miclot (7) Director  0   59,998   59,998   1.0% 
                   
Peter V. Anania (8) Director  210,598   26,666   237,264   3.9% 
                   
Wayne M. Coll (9) Chief Financial Officer, Secretary  0   50,000   50,000   * 
                   
Mahesh Lawande (10) Chief Operating Officer  0   60,000   60,000   * 
                   
All directors and executive officers as a group    561,153   514,328   1,092,148   16.3% 

* Percentage of shares beneficially owned does not exceed one percent of issued and outstanding common stock plus, for each person or

shares of stock.

_______________________

(1)Unless otherwise stated, the address of each beneficial owners listed on the table is c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., 22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440.
(2)Represents shares with respect to which each beneficial owner listed has or will have, upon acquisition of such shares upon exercise or conversion of options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights exercisable within 60 sixty days, sole voting and investment power.
(3)As of July 11, 2023, there were 6,066,518 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Percentages are calculated on the basis of the amount of issued and outstanding common stock plus, for each person or group, any securities that such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.
(4)Dr. Forkey is a member of our Board of Directors and serves as our Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer. Dr. Forkey’s beneficial ownership consists of (a) 120,847 shares of common stock, and (b) 166,666 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
(5)Mr. Peter Woodward is the Chairman of our Board of Directors. Mr. Woodward’s beneficial ownership consists of (a) 224,671 shares of common stock held through MHW Partners, L.P., and (b) 90,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

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(6)Dr. Miles is a member of our Board of Directors. Dr. Miles’ beneficial ownership consists of (a) 5,037 shares of common stock, and (b) 60,998 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
(7)Mr. Miclot is a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Miclot’s beneficial ownership consists of 59,998 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
(8)Mr. Anania is a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Anania’s beneficial ownership consists of (a) 201,647 shares of common stock held directly, (b) 8,950 shares of common stock held by his wife, and (c) 26,666 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
(9)Mr. Coll is our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary effective June 12, 2023. Mr. Coll’s beneficial ownership consists of 50,000 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
(10)Mr. Lawande is our Chief Operating Officer effective April 24, 2023. Mr. Lawande’s beneficial ownership consists of 60,000 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

As of June 30, 2023, there are no arrangements among our beneficial owners, known to management, which may result in a change in control of our Company.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

    group, anySection 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our securities that such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 daysfile reports of October 1, 2009 pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.

(3)
Holdings as of April 13, 2006, as reported on Schedule 13D filedbeneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 3 (Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership), 4 (Statement of Changes of Beneficial Ownership of Securities) and 5 (Annual Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities). Officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC on May 3, 2006regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely upon a review of reports provided to us by Orin Hirschman. AIGH Investment Partners LLCour officers and Orin Hirschman, managing member of AIGH, have shared voting and dispositive control over the shares.

(4)
Represents (i) 1,097 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P., or SSCF, (ii) 4,181 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Fund III, L.P., or SSF III, (iii) 207,699 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., or SSF III QP, (iv) 232,728 sharesdirectors, we believe that, may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSF III QP, which is immediately exercisable, (v) 145,200 shares that may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSF III QP, which is immediately exercisable, (vi) 220,000 shares that may be acquired upon conversion of a convertible promissory note held by SSF III QP, (vi) 160,000 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P., or SSPEF, (vii) 145,200 shares that may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSPEF, which is immediately exercisable, (viii) 220,000 shares that may be acquired upon conversion of a convertible promissory note held by SSPEF, (ix) 232,728 shares that may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSPEF, which is immediately exercisable, and (x) 22,300 shares of common stock owned by Special Situations Technology Fund II, L.P., or SSTF II. SSCF, SSF III, SSF III QP, SSPEF and SSTF II are affiliated funds.

MGP is the general partner of the SSF III QP and the general partner of and investment adviser to SSF III. AWM is the general partner of MGP, the general partner of and investment adviser to SSFCF and the investment adviser to SSF III QP, SSCF, SSFTF II and SSPEF. Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are the principal owners of MGP and AWM. Through their control of MGP and AWM, Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse share voting and dispositive control over the portfolio securities of each of the funds listed above. Also includes 204 shares that may be acquired by Mr. Marxe within 60 days upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

(5)
Represents (i) 1,097 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P., or SSCF, (ii) 4,181 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Fund III, L.P., or SSF III, (iii) 207,699 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., or SSF III QP, (iv) 232,728 shares that may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSF III QP, which is immediately exercisable, (v) 145,200 shares that may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSF III QP, which is immediately exercisable, (vi) 220,000 shares that may be acquired upon conversion of a convertible promissory note held by SSF III QP, (vii) 160,000 shares of common stock owned of record by Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P., or SSPEF, (viii) 145,200 shares that may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSPEF, which is immediately exercisable, (ix) 220,000 shares that may be acquired upon conversion of a convertible promissory note held by SSPEF, (x) 232,728 shares that may be acquired under an outstanding warrant held by SSPEF, which is immediately exercisable, and (xi) 22,300 shares of common stock owned by Special Situations Technology Fund II, L.P., or SSTF II. SSCF, SSF III, SSF III QP, SSPEF and SSTF II are affiliated funds. MGP is the general partner of the SSF III QP and the general partner of and investment adviser to SSF III. AWM is the general partner of MGP, the general partner of and investment adviser to SSFCF and the investment adviser to SSF III QP, SSCF, SSFTF II and SSPEF. Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are the principal owners of MGP and AWM. Through their control of MGP and AWM, Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse share voting and dispositive control over the portfolio securities of each of the funds listed above.

(6)
Includes 34,910 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of an outstanding warrant which is immediately exercisable, 26,400 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of an outstanding warrant which is immediately exercisable and 40,000 shares that may be acquired upon conversion of a convertible promissory note.

(7)
Represents 34,224 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of October 1, 2009, upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and 488 shares owned by Dr. Forkey and his wife, Heather C. Forkey, with whom he shares voting and dispositive control.

(8)
Includes 29,888 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of October 1, 2009, upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

(9)
Includes 2,000 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of October 1, 2009, upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

(10)
Includes 1,600 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of October 1, 2009, upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

(11)
Includes 1,978 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of October 1, 2009, upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, and 58,182 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of an outstanding warrant, which is immediately exercisable.

(12)
Represents 7,534 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of October 1, 2009, upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

(13)
Includes 69,690 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of October 1, 2009 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and 58,182 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of an outstanding warrant, which is immediately exercisable.


INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees

Our principal and only independent registered public accountant forduring the fiscal year ended June 30, 20092023, no person required to file reports under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 failed to file such reports on a timely basis during such fiscal year except for the following: a Form 3 for Mahesh Lawande due on May 4, 2023 and filed on May 9, 2023; a Form 4 for Daniel S. Habhegger due on November 3, 2022 and filed on December 29, 2022; a Form 4 for each of Joseph N. Forkey, Peter H. Woodward, Andrew J. Miclot, Peter V. Anania, and Richard B. Miles due on November 18, 2022 and filed on December 29, 2022; and a Form 4 for Peter V. Anania due on June 2, 2022 and filed on April 14, 2023.

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AUDIT MATTERS

Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors consists of Peter H. Woodward (Chair), Andrew Miclot and Dr. Richard B. Miles.

The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting, internal control and audit functions. Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of our financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles and internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations. Stowe & Degon LLC.LLC, our independent registered accounting firm, is responsible for performing an independent audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

In overseeing the preparation of our financial statements, the Committee has had access to our management to review and discuss all financial statements prior to their issuance and to discuss significant accounting issues. Management advised the Board that all financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The following table presentsCommittee has met with our independent auditors with regard to our audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023. For the year ended June 30, 2023, the Committee and the Board received the independent auditor’s letter and written disclosures required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees).

In reliance on the reviews and discussion with management and the independent registered public accounting firm referred to above, and upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors approved the inclusion of the audited financial statements in Precision Optic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2023, for filing with the SEC. The Board appointed Stowe & Degon LLC to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024.

Audit Committee

Peter H. WoodwardAndrew J. MiclotRichard B. Miles
(Chairman)

Proposal No. 3 – Ratification of the Appointment of Stowe & Degon LLC

The Board has appointed Stowe & Degon LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024. A representative of Stowe & Degon LLC is expected to be present at the 2023 Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. Although shareholder ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise, we are submitting the selection of Stowe & Degon LLC to our shareholders for ratification to permit shareholders to participate in this important corporate decision.

Required Vote

Ratification of the appointment of Stowe & Degon LLC requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and voting at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. Unless marked to the contrary, proxies received will be voted “FOR” ratification of the appointment. A properly executed proxy marked “ABSTAIN” with respect to this proposal will not be voted, although it will be counted for purposes of determining the number of shares of common stock entitled to vote. Accordingly, an abstention will have the effect of a negative vote. Because this proposal is a routine proposal on which a broker or other nominee is generally empowered to vote, broker “non-votes” likely will not result from this proposal. Thus, if you are a beneficial owner holding shares through a broker, bank or other holder of record and you do not vote on this Proposal, your broker may cast a vote on your behalf for this proposal. In the event ratification is not obtained, the Board will review its future selection of our independent registered public accounting firm but will not be required to select a different independent registered public accounting firm.

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Your Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of Stowe & Degon LLC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2024

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Stowe & Degon LLC has audited our financial statements since 2008. The aggregate fees billed to us for professional accounting services, including the audit services and other services renderedof our annual consolidated financial statements by Stowe and Caturano & Company, Ltd.our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended June 30, 20092023 and 2008:2022, are set forth in the table below.

 
 2009 2008 

Audit Fees(1)

 $94,407 $88,265 

Audit-Related Fees(2)

     
      

Total Audit and Audit-Related Fees

  94,407  88,265 

Tax Fees(3)

  7,500  7,500 

All Other Fees(4)

     
      

Total Fees

 $101,907 $95,765 
      

(1)
 Year Ended June 30,
20232022
Audit fees$109,835 $96,815 
Audit Related Fees 4,184  4,420 
Tax fees12,699 10,000 
Other fees2,500 6,680 
Total fees$129,218 $117,915 

For purposes of the preceding table, the professional fees are classified as follows:

Audit Fees. Audit fees for fiscal 2009year 2023 are comprised of: (i)of fees for professional services performed by Stowe for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of our quarterly financial statements of $68,519, including$109,835, which fees do not include any direct out-of-pocket expenses in the amount of $519; and (ii) fees for attestation services performed by Stowe and Caturano in connection with the filing of our registration statement on Form S-1 of $25,888.

    expenses. Audit fees for fiscal 2008year 2022 are comprised of fees for professional services performed for the audit of our annual financial statements (Stowe) and review of our quarterly financial statements (Stowe and Caturano) of $88,265,$96,815, including direct out-of-pocket expenses in the amount of $1,078.$1,795.

(2)

Audit-related Fees. Audit-related fees are comprised of fees for assurance and related attestation services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of our annual financial statements, or the review thereof, and fees for due diligence services.

(3)

Tax Fees: Tax fees for fiscal 20092022 and 2008 by Stowe2023 are comprised of fees for professional services performed with respect to corporate tax compliance, tax return preparation and filing, tax planning and tax advice.

(4)
We did not incur any other fees during fiscal 2009 or 2008 for products

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

In consultation with our Chief Financial Officer, the Audit Committee pre-approves all services provided by Stowe or Caturano other than those disclosed above.

Annual Meeting

We expect that representatives from Stowe & Degon LLC will be present at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and will be available to respond to appropriate questions and have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

The Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures that would prohibit engagement of accountants to render audit or non-audit services without prior approvalour independent registered public accounting firm. 100% of the Audit Committee. As a result, all engagementsabove services and fees were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors either before or after the independent auditors to render any services, whether they would be deemed audit or non-audit services, require pre-approval of the Audit Committee. No audit, review or attestrespective services were approved in accordance with Section 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.



AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Major and Miles, each of whom is "independent" as defined in Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.rendered. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter forconsidered the Audit Committee, which is filed with this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.

The Audit Committee has submitted the following report:

The Audit Committee has reviewednature and discussed with management the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009,amount of fees billed by Stowe & Degon LLC and has discussed with the Company's independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T (SAS 61). SAS 61 requires independent auditors to communicate to the Audit Committee various matters, including, if applicable: (1) methods used to account for certain unusual transactions; (2) the effect of certain accounting policies in controversial or emerging areas for which there is a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus; (3) the process used by management in formulating certain accounting estimates and the basis for the auditor's conclusions regarding the reasonableness of those estimates; and (4) disagreements with management over the application of accounting principles and certain other matters. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the Company's independent accountants required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (requiring auditors to make written disclosures to, and to discuss with, the Audit Committee, various matters relating to the auditor's independence), has discussed with the accountants their independence and has considered whetherbelieves that the provision of non-audit services byfor activities unrelated to the accountantsaudit is compatible with maintaining the firm’s independence.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that independence. Based on the foregoingcould cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and further review and discussion, the Audit Committee recommendeduncertainties include, but are not limited to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be includedrisks described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Donald Major
Richard Miles

October 2009



CORPORATE CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT

Our Board of Directors adopted a Corporate Code of Ethics and Conduct applicable to all of our employees, officers and directors, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Code was filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K available at www.sec.gov. The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “seek,” “should,” “likely,” and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. All statements by us regarding our expected financial position, revenues, cash flows and other operating results, business strategy, and similar matters are forward looking statements. Our expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements may not turn out to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date as of which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances, including unanticipated events, after the date as of which such statement was made.

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General Information

Below you will find general information on Shareholder Proposals, “Householding” of Proxy Materials, and more specific instructions on how to vote, which can be found on your proxy voting card.

Shareholder Proposals

There are no shareholder proposals for the year ended June 30, 2008.


STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

Stockholders may send communications2023 Annual Meeting. If you would like information on submitting a shareholder proposal to be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and Annual Meeting, please refer to the Boardinformation below.


How do I submit a Shareholder Proposal to be Included in the Proxy Statement?

You must submit your proposal to our Secretary no later than June 22, 2024 – 120 calendar days before the anniversary of this Proxy Statement publication. This is to comply with Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act.

What if the date of the 2024 Annual Meeting is significantly different?

If the date of the Annual Meeting is changed by more than 30 days, the proposal must be submitted to our Secretary by the close of business on the later of:

• 90 days prior to the Annual Meeting, OR

• 7 days following the first public announcement of the Annual Meeting date


Who Presents the Proposal at the Meeting?

The Shareholder proponent, or a representative who is qualified under state law, must appear in person at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to present the proposal.


How Should I Send my Proposal?

Please send your proposal to our Secretary at:

Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.
22 East Broadway
Gardner, MA 01440

We strongly suggest that proposals are sent by Certified Mail – Return Receipt Requested.

What Must be Included in My Notice that I send to the Secretary?

1.       A brief description of the proposed business

2.       The text of the proposal

3.       Reasons for conducting the business at the meeting

4.       Name and address (as they appear on our books) of the shareholder proposing such business

5.       The beneficial owner (if any) on whose behalf the proposal is made

6.       Any material interest of the shareholder in such business

7.       Any other information required by proxy proposal submission rules of the SEC

26

“Householding” of DirectorsProxy Materials

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to specified directorsthose shareholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially provides extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for us. Under this procedure, multiple shareholders who share the same last name and address will receive only one copy of the annual proxy materials, unless they notify us that they wish to continue receiving multiple copies. We have undertaken householding to reduce our printing costs and postage fees.

If you wish to opt-out of householding and continue to receive multiple copies of the proxy materials at the same address, you may do so at any time prior to thirty days before the mailing of proxy materials, which will typically be mailed in June of each year, by mailing such communications to our Clerk atnotifying us in writing at: Secretary, Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., 22 East Broadway, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440. All such correspondence should identify the author as a stockholder and clearly state whether the intended recipients are all membersMA 01440, or by contacting us at (978) 630-1800. You also may request additional copies of the Boardproxy materials by notifying us in writing at the same address or only specified directors. Any stockholder communication sentcontacting us at (978) 630-1800, and we will undertake to deliver such additional copies promptly. If you share an address with another shareholder and currently are receiving multiple copies of the proxy materials, you may request householding by notifying us at the above referenced address or telephone number.

Other Matters

Your Board of Directors does not know of any other business that will be forwarded topresented at the Board without screening.


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Stockholders may present proposals for inclusion in the 2010 proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting provided they are received by our Clerk no later than July 4, 2010 and are otherwise in compliance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.

Annual Meeting. If a stockholder who wishes to present a proposal at our 2010 annual meeting that will not be included in our proxy statement for such annual meeting fails to notify us of his or her desire to do so by September 16, 2010, then the proxies that the Board of Directors solicits for the 2010 annual meeting will include discretionary authority to vote on the stockholder's proposal, if such proposalany other business is properly brought before the meeting.


Annual Meeting, your proxy holders will vote on it as they think best unless you direct them otherwise in your proxy instructions.


APPENDIX A

CharterWhether or not you intend to be present at the 2023 Annual Meeting, we urge you to submit your signed proxy promptly.

By Order of the Audit Committee
of the
Board of Directors
Directors.

/s/ Wayne M. Coll                                       

Wayne M. Coll

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Gardner, Massachusetts

The Notice of
Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, form of proxy and our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com. We will provide copies of our Proxy Statement and our 2023 Annual Report free of charge upon request. We will also provide copies of exhibits to our 2023 Annual Report, but may charge a reasonable fee per page to any requesting shareholder. Shareholders may make such requests in writing to Secretary, Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.

        1.    Purpose., 22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440. The purpose of the Audit Committee (the "Committee") shall be to (a) appoint, oversee and replace, if necessary, the independent auditor, (b) assist the Board of Director's oversight of (i) the preparation of the Company's financial statements, (ii) the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) the independent auditor's qualifications and independence, and (iv) the performance of the Company's internal audit function and independent auditor; and (c) prepare the report the SEC rules require be included in the Company's annual proxy statement.

        2.    Composition of the Audit Committee.    The Committee shall consist of not less than three board members appointedrequest must include a representation by the Boardshareholder that as of Directors ofOctober 10, 2023, the Company. Committee members may be removed by the Board of Directors in its discretion. Each member of the Committee shall satisfy the independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") and The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("Nasdaq") as such requirements are interpreted by the Board of Directors in its business judgment, and the Board of Directors shall annually review the Committee's compliance with such requirements. Members of the Committee shall be versed in reading and understanding financial statements.

        3.    Meetings of the Audit Committee.    The Committee shall hold regularly scheduled meetings and such special meetings as circumstances dictate. It shall meet separately, at least quarterly, with management, with the internal auditors (or other personnel responsible for the internal audit function), and with the independent auditor to discuss results of examinations, or discuss any matters that the Committee or any of these persons or firms believe should be discussed privately. The Committee shall report regularly to the Board of Directors.

        4.    Responsibilities of the Audit Committee.    The function of the Committee is oversight. While the Committee has the responsibilities set forth in this charter, it is not the responsibility of the Committee to plan or conduct audits, to determine that the Company's financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or to assure compliance with laws, regulations or any internal rules or policies of the Company. This is the responsibility of management. The independent auditor is responsible for performing independent audits of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and for issuing reports thereon. The Committee has direct and sole responsibility for the appointment, compensation, oversight and replacement, if necessary, of the independent auditor, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting. Each member of the Committee shall be entitled to rely on (i) the integrity of those persons and organizations within and outside the Company that it receives information from and (ii) the accuracy of the financial and other information provided to the Committee by such persons or organizations absent actual knowledge to the contrary (which shall be promptly reported to the Board of Directors).


        5.    Duties and Proceedings of the Audit Committee.    The Committee shall assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by accomplishing the following:

            5.1.    Oversight of Independent Auditor.

              (a)   Annually evaluate, determine the selection of, and if necessary, determine the replacement of or rotation of, the independent auditor.

              (b)   Approve or pre-approve all auditing services (including comfort letters and statutory audits) and all permitted non-audit services by the auditor.

              (c)   Review, evaluate and discuss formal reports, at least annually, from the independent auditor regarding the auditor's independence, including a delineation of all relationships between the auditor and the Company; and recommend to the Board of Directors actions to satisfy the Board of the independence of the auditor.

            5.2.    Oversight of Audit Process and Company's Legal Compliance Program.

              (a)   Review and discuss with management, internal auditors and independent auditor the Company's system of internal control, its financial and critical accounting practices, and policies relating to risk assessment and management.

              (b)   Receive and review reports of the independent auditor discussing 1) all critical accounting policies and practices used in the preparation of the Company's financial statements, 2) all alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditor, and 3) other material written communications between the independent auditor and management, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences.

              (c)   Review material pending legal proceedings involving the Company and other contingent liabilities.

              (d)   Receive from the CEO and CFO a report of all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls, and any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company's internal controls.

              (e)   Discuss with independent auditor the matters required to be communicated to audit committees in accordance with Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61.

              (f)    Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submissions by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or accounting matters.

            5.3.    Other Responsibilities.

              (a)   Review the adequacy of this audit committee charter annually and submit charter to Board of Directors for approval.

              (b)   Prepare report for inclusion in the Company's annual proxy statement as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.


              (c)   Put in place an appropriate control process for reviewing and approving Company's internal transactions and accounting.

              (d)   Report to the Board on a regular basis.

              (e)   Annually perform, or participate in, an evaluation of the performance of the Committee, the results of which shall be presented to the Board.

              (f)    Perform any other activities consistent with the Charter, By-laws and governing law as the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee shall deem appropriate, including holding meetings with the Company's investment bankers and financial analysts.

        6.    Authority and Resources of the Audit Committee.    The Committee has the authority to retain legal, accounting or other experts that it determines to be necessary to carry out its duties. It also has authority to determine compensation for such advisors as well as for the independent auditor. The Committee may determine appropriate funding needs for its own ordinary administrative expenses that are necessary and appropriate to carrying out its duties.



APPENDIX B

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.
22 EAST BROADWAY
GARDNER, MA 01440-3338

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

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

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY


THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.

Vote on Director

1.The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominee as a Class I director to serve for a three-year term.ForWithhold



01)


Nominee:Richard E. Forkey


o


o

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.    o

Please sign this proxy exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.



Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]



Date



Signature (Joint Owners)



Date


PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.

Dear Stockholder,

Please take note of the important information enclosed with this proxy card. The proposal which is discussed in detail in the enclosed proxy materials requires your immediate attention.

Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to vote the shares.

Please mark the boxes on this proxy card to indicate how the shares should be voted. Then sign the card, detach it and return your proxy vote in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

Your vote must be received prior to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on November 24, 2009.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.

Very truly yours,

Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Reprot are available at www.materials.proxvote.com/740294



PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.

COMMON STOCK PROXY

The undersigned, revoking any previous instructions, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice and Proxy Statement dated October 30, 2009. In connection with the Annual Meeting mentioned below, the undersigned hereby appoints Joseph N. Forkey and Jack P. Dreimiller as Proxies of the undersigned each with power to act alone and with full power of substitution, to act and to vote all shares of stock which the undersigned isshareholder was entitled to vote at the 2023 Annual Meeting of StockholdersMeeting.

27

Appendix A

Proxy Card

[Enclosed]

28

 

 

Thank you for being a shareowner of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. to be held on November 24, 2009

 

Learn more at 10:00 A.M. at the Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, upon the matters set forth in the Proxy Statement for such Annual Meeting. The foregoing Proxies are authorized to vote, in their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.http://poci.com/

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors. When this proxy is properly executed, the shares represented hereby will be voted as specified by the Stockholder(s). If no direction is given, the shares will be voted FOR the election of the Class I director nominee as described in Proposal Number 1.

PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

Please sign exactly as your name appears on the books of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. Joint owners should each sign personally. Trustees and other fiduciaries should indicate the capacity in which they sign, and where more than one name appears, a majority must sign. If a corporation, this signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or her title.

Address Changes/Comments:

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)




QuickLinks

NOTICE OF 2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
OTHER MATTERS
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009 Option awards
Director Compensation Table for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
CORPORATE CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting
PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. COMMON STOCK PROXY