Who I support
Your vision profile
About Roxana
Let’s talk
FUNCTIONAL VISION & VISUAL SKILLS TRAINING
Your eyes
may be healthy,
yet seeing still
feels hard.
Often, the answer is in the brain.
I'm Dr. Roxana Cziker, a researcher and specialist in how the brain processes visual information to understand and navigate the world around us. For more than 25 years, I have provided visual training to children with visual impairment and cerebral visual impairment (CVI), as well as children and adults whose vision and visual processing have changed after a brain injury, concussion or neurological condition. I began this work in Romania back in 1996, continued it in France as a researcher during my PhD studies, and today I work in Reykjavík.
Dr. Roxana Elena Cziker
PhD in Medical Sciences · PhD in Psychology
Functional vision and neurovisual training
Book a first conversation
See what I look at
At your pace. Focused on what matters to you.
2 doctorates
PhD in Medical Science
PhD in Psychology
25+ years
with children and adults with visual and neurovisual difficulties
Research and teaching
published research, university lecturing and training of professionals across Europe
Trained with leading experts
Dr Lea Hyvärinen and Dr Gordon Dutton, plus up-to-date training in Vision Therapy (Emergent, USA) and applied neuroscience (The Neuroscience Academy, Australia)
EVERYDAY VISION MATTERS
I lose my place when I read.
Busy places feel overwhelming.
Does this sound familiar?
Often, the eyes themselves are healthy, with no serious eye disease, and glasses are up to date. Yet everyday life can tell a different story when it comes to processing and understanding visual information.
My eyes tire when I use screens.
I misjudge where things are.
Bright light makes seeing harder.
Sometimes I see double
I bump into things.
Things look blurry, even when wearing glasses.
Each of us builds a personal inner picture of the world, shaped by our experiences, mood, interests, health and other factors. After a brain injury, this picture can change: familiar places, faces or tasks may suddenly feel different or tiring – as if the world has a new point of reference. This is not your imagination, and you are not alone. With understanding, awareness and the right training of your visual skills, the brain can find new ways to make sense of what you see.
Seeing happens in two parts of the visual system:
The eyes
collect light and select visual information.
The brain
turns it into a meaningful picture, so you can understand what you see and act on it.
When the brain side is affected, the way visual information is processed can change.
My role is to:
-
→guide you in understanding how your vision works in daily life
-
→support you in adapting to this new situation
-
→train together the visual skills you need
MY APPROACH
From how you see
to what you do.
I look at vision as one connected system – from the eyes, to how the brain makes sense of what you see, to how you use it to move, act and behave.
Following the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), I always link your health condition to what I observe in your everyday activities – and to how you function and adapt to your environment.
How your visual system works
Eye movements, focusing, both eyes working as a team, clarity and comfort.
How you use your vision
Eye movements, focusing, both eyes working as a team, clarity and comfort.
You can see what this looks like in everyday situations further down, in Your vision profile.
How your brain makes sense of it
Visual perception: recognising, locating, judging space and remembering what you see.
How vision connects with your body
Links with balance, movement, hand coordination and your other senses.
MEET YOUR SPECIALIST
Hello, I’m Roxana.
I began my career in 1996 as a teacher for blind children in Cluj-Napoca. Working with those children, I saw again and again that vision is far more than the eyes – and that the brain can learn new ways to see.
That question shaped my life's work. I earned two doctorates, one in Medical Sciences and one in Psychology, studying how brain injury affects vision, movement, and perception, and how structured visual training can improve the quality of functional vision. I conducted research at the University Hospital of Angers in France, initiated the first study on cerebral visual impairment in Romania, and established a day center for children with visual and multiple disabilities.
From 1996 to 2015, I worked in Romania as a teacher for blind children and as a vision therapist for children with low vision, cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and multiple disabilities, such as visual impairment combined with cerebral palsy.
Since 2015 I have lived in Iceland. Here I worked as a specialist in the assessment and rehabilitation of visual impairment and cerebral visual impairment at the National Institute for the Blind, Visually Impaired and Deafblind. Drawing on the results of my PhD research, I contributed to building the institute's services for children and adults with cerebral visual impairment. In 2019, I founded Vision2Brain.
My vision is simple: everyone whose sight has been changed by a brain condition deserves someone who can clearly explain its impact, and design an individual, practical plan to support them in getting more of their life and wellbeing back.
Education
- PhD in Medical Sciences – Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca
- PhD in Psychology – Babeș-Bolyai University
- MSc in Management, Counselling and Psycho-pedagogical Assistance in Inclusive Institutions – Babeș-Bolyai University
- Bachelor's degree in Psychopedagogy and Disability – Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca
- Post-university studies in optometry – Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania
- Vision Therapy – Emergent, USA (2025–2026)
Licenses and authorizations
Iceland: Teaching authorization (2019) – allowing me to work as an educational adviser for children with learning difficulties
Romania: Licensed psychopedagogue – Romanian College of Psychologists
Romania: Recognized as an optometrist
Trined with
- Dr Lea Hyvärinen (functional vision) and Dr Gordon Dutton (cerebral visual impairment)
- Vision Therapy training – Emergent, USA (2025–2026)
- Applied neuroscience for coaches – The Neuroscience Academy, Australia (2022, one-year programme)
- Also: Sensis International Institute (now Royal Dutch Visio), the Netherlands; Colour Vision Therapy, the Netherlands (2023)
I speak with you in
English, Icelandic and Romanian.
MY APPROACH
Research, teaching and publications
My work with clients is built on many years of research, teaching and developing services for people with visual and neurovisual difficulties.
Research and publications
-
PhD thesis (Medical Sciences): Relation between brain damage and visual motor-sensory, neurocognitive and perceptive functions in pediatric pathology
-
PhD thesis (Psychology): Training of visual behaviour in children with visual impairment – a multidisciplinary approach
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Doctoral research fellowship at the University Hospital (CHU) of Angers, France, on vision in premature children with brain lesions
-
Peer-reviewed articles on cerebral visual impairment, MRI and visual evoked potentials (Revista Oftalmologia, Applied Medical Informatics, Clujul Medical)
-
Author and co-author of books, manuals and chapters on early intervention and functional vision
Building services
-
Founder and coordinator of a day centre for children with visual impairment and associated disabilities, serving families from across Romania
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School Principal, High School for Visually Impaired Children, Cluj-Napoca (2012–2015)
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Contributed to building services for children and adults with cerebral visual impairment in Iceland
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More than 15 European projects in visual impairment, rehabilitation and inclusion
Teaching and training
-
Senior Lecturer, Babeș-Bolyai University (2011–2013): assessment of visual functions and functional vision
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Trainer for teachers, rehabilitation professionals and multidisciplinary teams in Romania, Iceland, Ireland and across Europe
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Co-developer of assessment protocols and professional resources in the European TeachCVI project
-
Speaker at ICEVI European conferences: Graz, Austria (2011, guest speaker) and the Netherlands (2008)
01
I see the whole picture: eyes and brain
With training in medical sciences, psychology, and optometry, I understand both sides of vision: how the eyes take in information and how the brain makes sense of it.
What makes my approach different
Here is what you can expect when you work with me.
02
Grounded in research
My work builds on my own doctoral research and many years of following international science. I turn that knowledge into practical, everyday training.
03
Children and adults
I have worked with young children, school children, teenagers and adults, from cerebral visual impairment present from early life to vision changes after a brain injury or concussion.
04
Focused on your everyday life
I look at what matters to you, such as reading, cooking, walking outside, school or work, and we train the visual skills that make a difference there.
05
I know how to build support
I have founded a day center, led a school for visually impaired children, and built CVI services in both Romania and Iceland. In my research and practical activity, I have worked closely with families, schools, doctors and therapists.
06
Personal, patient and in your language
Every plan is designed for one person. I work at your pace, in Icelandic, English or Romanian.
WHY IS DIFFERENT
YOUR VISION PROFILE
Ways I look how your vision works in daily life
Based on careful observation of your functional vision, I develop a non-medical vision profile that describes how your vision works in daily life.
It combines two sources of information:
1. Structured measurements of visual functions
such as clarity, contrast, eye movements and how the two eyes work together.
These measurements describe how your vision functions; they do not diagnose eye disease.
2. Practical, everyday activities
that show how you use your vision in real life.
Together, they show where things take extra effort and need attention and training. Depending on your needs, this can take one or several sessions, so we get a clear and complete picture.
Seeing clearly and comfortably
How sharp things look near and far, how you cope with low contrast and bright light, and whether your eyes tire as the day goes on.
Like reading a grey menu in a dim café, or looking from your phone to the TV.
Eye movements and attention
How steadily you hold your gaze, how smoothly you follow movement, how quickly you jump from one point to the next – and what happens when things get busy.
Like keeping your place in a line of text, or finding a friend in a crowd.
Not a list of separate tasks – one picture of your visual functioning and visual efficiency.
I connect what I see across all five areas presented above, so you can understand why everyday tasks feel challenging since your health changed. We look not only at what is difficult, but also at your strengths. Together, we use both to build a training plan that supports your wellbeing and quality of life.
Making sense of what you see
Seeing is the first step; then your brain has to recognise, sort and remember. I look at how you pick shapes out of a background, compare, recognise and recall.
Like finding your keys on a cluttered table, or remembering where you parked.
Knowing where things are
Seeing something and knowing exactly where it is are not the same. I look at how accurately you locate things, notice what is at your sides and judge distance.
Like walking down stairs safely, or noticing someone coming towards you from the side.
Two eyes, hands and body together
Whether both eyes team up well, how your vision guides your hands, and how you use what you see while you – or the world around you – are moving.
Like pouring a glass of water, catching a ball, or walking through a busy street.
FOR WHOM
Different needs.
Personal attention.
Support begins with your experience, your abilities and the daily activities you want to make easier.
01 / CHILDREN & FAMILIES
More confidence in learning and play
For children with visual impairment, cerebral visual impairment (CVI), or visual processing difficulties associated with congenital or developmental brain conditions.
Also for children with ADHD or learning difficulties when visual challenges play a part. Practical support connects the child’s needs with home and school.
Talk about your child
02 / ADULTS
Support when vision has changed
For people experiencing visual difficulties after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, stroke or other acquired neurological condition.
We focus on your everyday priorities: reading, using screens, finding your way and coordinating vision with movement, alongside your medical care.
Talk about your vision
03 / PROFESSIONALS
A shared view of functional needs
Collaboration with professionals and teams supporting children and adults with complex visual and neurological needs.
Consultation and professional learning on functional vision, CVI and visual processing, with attention to daily activities and participation.
Discuss a collaboration
HOW IT WORKS
A clear next step.
A plan built around you.
01
A first conversation
We get to know each other. We talk about your history, what has changed with your current condition, and which areas you would like to improve. I explain how I work, so you can decide if it feels right for you.
Free of charge
30 minutes, in person or online via Zoom
Good to know
Prices are in Icelandic krónur (ISK) and include VAT where it applies. Packages are paid in advance and are valid for [6 months]. If you cannot come, please let me know at least [24 hours] before your session.
My services are not covered by Sjúkratryggingar Íslands. Some union health funds (sjúkrasjóðir stéttarfélaga) may refund part of the cost, so it is worth asking yours.
02
Your vision profile
Individually tailored measurements and practical observation activities across the five areas, including how your vision works together with your posture, movement and other senses. At your own pace, with breaks.
15,000 ISK per session
or 40,000 ISK for three sessions
50–60 minutes each. Usually 1–3 sessions, depending on your needs. Best in person; an online option is possible if you live far away.
03
Talking it through together
We sit down and go through the main results of what I observed about your functional vision and visual perception – in everyday language, so you, and your family if you wish, understand what is going on.
Included in your vision profile
04
Your personal training plan
Based on your vision profile, needs and goals, we draw up together a short- and long-term personal visual training plan, with sessions guided by me and exercises at home. We adjust it as you make progress.
10,000 ISK per session
5 sessions: 40,000 ISK
10 sessions: 70,000 ISK
One session with me each week, plus exercises at home. Usually over several weeks.
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Your questions,
clearly answered.
My work is non-medical and function-based. It combines research-informed visual training with practical guidance for daily life, building on the brain's ability to learn and adapt. It draws on my doctoral research and more than 25 years of experience in functional vision, earned in Romania, France and Iceland.
I observe how your vision works in everyday activities, explain it clearly, and design visual training with you. I do not diagnose eye disease, prescribe glasses or medication, or offer medical treatment.
Your child does not need an existing diagnosis for you to contact me. My expertise includes assessment and diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment (CVI). We begin by discussing the difficulties you notice at home or school, together with any previous findings, to decide on the most appropriate assessment and support.
A personalised plan focused on your goals and visual functioning. I will explain the proposed activities, pace and practical arrangements with you before we begin. The plan may include guided sessions and agreed activities at home.
Each person’s situation is different. We set realistic goals, review your experience and progress, and adjust the plan. Outcomes and timelines vary; no particular result can be guaranteed.
Email me to arrange a first conversation. We will discuss suitability, session arrangements, availability and fees before you commit. You are welcome to write in English, Icelandic or Romanian.
LET´S BEGIN WITH A CONVERSATION
Tell me what feels difficult.
We’ll find a first step.
You do not need to have all the answers. A short message about your main concern is enough to begin.
vision2brain@gmail.com
Reykjavík, Iceland
English · Íslenska · Română
Please avoid sending medical records or sensitive health details in your first email.
Professional scope in Iceland. Dr. refers to Roxana’s academic doctoral degrees. Vision2Brain provides functional, non-medical training. Roxana’s Romanian qualifications as a psychopedagogue and optometrist are not currently recognised in Iceland; she does not practise here as a medical doctor, optometrist or psychologist. She holds Icelandic teaching authorisation (2019). Clients with eye or neurological conditions should remain under the care of licensed professionals.
