Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of a range of healthcare products worldwide. Its Pharmaceuticals division offers patented prescription medicines in various therapeutic areas, including oncology; primary care and established medicines; specialty care, such as ophthalmology, neuroscience, integrated hospital care, and critical care; and cardiovascular and metabolism, respiratory, and other medicines. The company's Alcon division provides various eye care products, including ophthalmic surgical equipment, instruments, disposable products, and intraocular lenses; medicines to treat chronic and acute diseases of the eye; over-the-counter medicines for the eye; and contact lenses and lens care products. Its Sandoz division offers prescription medicines, as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnological active substances. This division provides active ingredients and finished dosage forms of pharmaceuticals; active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates, primarily antibiotics; protein or biotechnology-based products; cytotoxic products for the hospital market; and biotech manufacturing services to other companies. The company's Vaccines and Diagnostics division provides preventive human vaccines, and blood testing and molecular diagnostics products to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Its Consumer Health division consists of two divisions, including over-the-counter medicines that offer readily available consumer medicines; and Animal Health, which provides veterinary products for farm and companion animals. Novartis AG was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.