Nofar Itzhak
Senior Research Fellow
BA MSc PhD
nofar.benitzhak@thekids.org.au
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nofar-ben-itzhak-7a971a1b5/Dr. Nofar Ben Itzhak is a paediatric clinical psychologist and international clinical researcher who joined Kids Rehab WA in June 2025 as a Senior Research Fellow on the CONNECT-CP project. This statewide initiative aims to improve the early detection and diagnosis of cerebral palsy across Western Australia by strengthening regional workforces and equipping healthcare providers with specialist training, digital health tools, and culturally appropriate pathways to improve outcomes for children and families.
Nofar completed her PhD at KU Leuven, Belgium, where she developed and evaluated a game-based rehabilitation program for children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). During her three-year postdoctoral position, she co-led a multi-centre randomised controlled trial in Belgium, assessing the effectiveness of this intervention in improving visual perception and quality of life in children with CVI.
Her research and clinical expertise span visual perception assessment, eye tracking, and co-design of tailored rehabilitation for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Nofar is passionate about early detection, family-centred care, translating research into real-world clinical practice, and meaningful community engagement.
Nofar has authored 20 peer-reviewed publications and worked in collaboration with clinical and research teams in the United States, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. Nofar is also a member of the ICEVI Europe CVI Network, the Perkins School for the Blind Advisory Group (USA), and the Cognitive Assessment in Cerebral Palsy Group.
Now based in Western Australia, Nofar is eager to work alongside families, clinicians, and researchers to transform early detection and early intervention services across the state.
Education and Qualifications
- Doctor of Biomedical Sciences (PhD) – KU Leuven, Belgium
- Master of Science in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, specialisation Neuropsychology (Msc) – Maastricht University, The Netherlands
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Communications minor (BA) – Reichman University
Awards/Honours
- 2024 – AusACPDM & CP Achieve Lived Experience Photo Exhibition winner, The Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AusACPDM) – Cairns, Australia
- 2024 – AusACPDM Conference Scholarship, The Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AusACPDM) – Australia
- 2024 – Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) travel grant – Belgium
- 2022 – Best abstract in the department of Development and Regeneration Departmental Day – Leuven, Belgium
- 2023 – Invited speaker – The Eye in Systemic Diseases (EPOS 2023) – Leuven, Belgium
- 2023 – Invited speaker – National Symposium of the Belgian Cerebral Palsy Reference Centra (BeCPR) – Leuven, Belgium
Active Collaborations
- International collaboration with the ICEVI Europe CVI Network
- International collaboration with the Perkins School for the Blind Advisory Group (USA)
- International collaboration with the Cognitive Assessment in Cerebral Palsy Group in Spain