Founded as a workshop for precision mechanics and optics in 1846, Carl Zeiss is today one of the leading firms in the optical and optoelectronic industries. The company has more than 13,000 employees and maintains offices in over 30 countries. It represents nearly 100 countries and operates production centers in Europe, North America and Asia. Carl Zeiss provides various optical sensor systems, including gratings, spectral sensors and spectrometer components. The company offers surgical microscopes that are used in ophthalmology, neurosurgery, and ear, nose and throat surgery. It provides ophthalmic, binoculars, riflescopes, and camera and cine lenses. Carl Zeiss also offers microscopes, spectrometers and optronics products. The company offers solutions for the health care, measuring, research, law enforcement and vision markets.