| 1846 | Carl Zeiss opens a workshop for precision mechanics and optics in Jena. |
| 1847 | Production of microscopes begins. |
| 1889 | Founding of the Carl Zeiss Stiftung by Ernst Abbe. |
| 1945 | Partial destruction of the Zeiss works during World War II. Subsequent partition of the company into Carl Zeiss “Optische Werke. Oberkochen” in West Germany and the state-owned enterprise “VEB Carl Zeiss Jena” in East Germany. |
| 1971 | Signing of the London Agreement governing the use of the name Carl Zeiss and trademarks containing the word "ZEISS". |
| 1991 | Reunification of the two separated companies. Carl Zeiss acquires Humphrey Systems, a major manufacturer of ophthalmic diagnostic instruments. |
| 1996 | The 150th anniversary of the company Carl Zeiss. |
| 2000 | Carl Zeiss is the world market leader in microscopes, industrial measuring technology, lithography optics and ophthalmic instruments. |
| 2002 | Carl Zeiss Meditec AG emerges as a public entity from the merger between the Ophthalmology Division of Carl Zeiss AG and Asclepion Meditec AG, a manufacturer of state-of-the-art refractive lasers. Shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. |
| 2004 | Carl Zeiss Meditec (CZM) acquires Laser Diagnostic Technologies, manufacturer of a glaucoma diagnostic instrument. |
| 2005 | CZM acquires IOLTECH, a specialist in intraocular lenses. |
| 2006 | CZM becomes the leader in surgical visualization systems as a result of the integration of Carl Zeiss Surgical. |
| 2007 | CZM further strengthens its position in the IOL business by acquiring Acri.Tec AG. |