Catalyzes the oxidative cleavage at the 15,15'-double bond of carotenoids and the simultaneous all-trans to 11-cis isomerization of one cleavage product. Carotenoids like 11-cis retinal can promote visual pigment biogenesis in the dark. Essential for the biosynthesis of the 3-hydroxyretinal chromophore of rhodopsin from zeaxanthin and for proper photoreceptor development. Also essential for larval light perception. all-trans-zeaxanthin + O2 = (3R)-11-cis-3-hydroxyretinal + (3R)-all-trans-3-hydroxyretinal Binds 1 Fe(2+) ion per subunit. Cofactor metabolism; retinol metabolism. Expression follows organogenesis of the larval Bolwig's organ (BO), which mediates larval photophobic behavior. In the adult, expression is restricted exclusively to the brain. Expressed in both neuronal cells and glia cells. Not active within photoreceptors. Active within neuronal cells within the central nervous system. Belongs to the carotenoid oxygenase family.