The history of the Belarusian Optical and Mechanical Association (BelOMA) springs from foundation of the Minsk Mechanical Works named after S.I. Vavilov (MMW) in 1957 (the first products – cameras and the machines for optical instruments and devices processing). In view of expansion of production volume and nomenclature of the products being manufactured, in 1971 the Belarusian Optical and Mechanical Association has been founded on the basis of the MMW named after S.I. Vavilov

BelOMA held the leading position in the optical branch of the USSR and solved the tasks on development and production of special-purpose items and the civilian goods. The plants which were parts of the Association specialized in production of definite kinds of products:

BelOMA-MMW named after S.I. Vavilov is the extremely sophisticated optomechanical and optoelectronic equipment (space, topographic, multispectral apparata, photogrammetric systems and complexes, cine-theodolite equipment, gyrostabilized sights, sights for armoured vehicles, laser guidance devices, industrial portable and stationary film projectors).

"Zenit" Works, city of Vileyka - the only plant in the former USSR which was engaged in production of cameras. Besides, the works produced optical sights for small arms.

"Diaprojector" Plant, city of Rogachev - slide projection equipment, various types of sights and guidance devices for armoured vehicles.

"Svet" Plant, city of Zhlobin - reproduction equipment, photographic enlargers, optical devices for the needs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR.

In the nineties LEMT Unitary Enterprise has been founded in the structure of BelOMA which specialized on development and production of laser products and products for medicine; ZEISS-BelOMA Joint Venture – joint Belarusian-German Enterprise which produced high-precision optical products; "BelOMA-Coemar" Joint Venture – joint Belarusian-Italian Enterprise which produced lighting equipment. A number of the isolated enterprises have been organized: "SFERA" Plant which produces optical parts, "FORMA" Plant which produces foundry and moulds.

During its existence the activity of BelOMA has been repeatedly awarded with rewards and diplomas.

BelOMA has been awarded with the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, 228 workers, experts and employees have been awarded with medals and orders of the USSR, 28 experts have been awarded with the ranks of the Laureates of the State Awards of BSSR and the USSR, 2 Laureates of the Lenin Awards, 3 employees have been awarded with the ranks of the Heroes of Socialist Labour.

BelOMA has also been awarded with "Gold Globe" prize and diploma - for the outstanding contribution to development of the National economy and integration into world economy, «Birmingham Torch» prize and diploma - for successes in survival and development under difficult conditions, other prizes.

In 2009 the enterprises which were the parts of BelOMA have been reorganized into public corporations (Zenit-BelOMA Public Corporation, Diaprojector Rogachev Plant Public Corporation, Svet Zhlobin Factory Public Corporation).

BelOMA-MMW named after S.I.Vavilov Public Corporation  - is the parenr enterprise of BelOMA.
BelOMA-MMW named after S.I.Vavilov Public Corporation carries out development and production of opto-electronic and optical-and-mechanical products of different designation, automobile components for heavy-duty cars, individual devices of gas discharge assessment, industrial luminaires, consumer goods. BelOMA-MMW named after S.I.Vavilov Public Corporation comprises various structural subdivisions necessary for the enterprise for execution of the tasks stipulated by the Statute of the Enterprise. BelOMA-MMW named after S.I.Vavilov Public Corporation is the founder of LEMT Scientific and Production  Private Unitary Enterprise which develops optical and opto-electronic products (sights for small arms and observation devices, laser products and systems, medical equipment) being produced at the enterprises which affiliate in BelOMA. Besides, the following subdivisions affiliate in BelOMA-MMW named after S.I.Vavilov Public Corporation as the isolated subdivisions:

- Sphera Optical Factory;
- Medical and Sanitary Department.

The greatest part in the products of the head plant of BelOMA – MMW named after S.I.Vavilov at present are motor car units, gas meters, luminaires of various designation, optical products and various consumer goods.

BelOMA-MMW named after S.I.Vavilov has the Certificates of Conformity to the System of Quality Management and the requirements of standards SRPP VT, GOST R and STB ISO 9001 - 2001 in the course of production, repair, warranty service and recycling of some kinds of the products.