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. 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. Belongs to the carotenoid oxygenase family.