Navigating the world with double vision can transform everyday tasks into formidable challenges. Photographer Vanessa Vettorello’s evocative project, *Wandering Star*, delves into the complexities of strabismus—a condition that affects around 4% of the global population. Through poignant storytelling and intimate portraits, Vettorello confronts the often-ignored realities of living with this visual impairment, inviting us to reflect on the intersection of identity and perception.
Understanding Strabismus: Life Through a Different Lens
Strabismus, commonly referred to as a squint, manifests as a misalignment of the eyes, leading to diplopia, or double vision. This condition can occur constantly or intermittently, and its origins can often be traced back to childhood. While many young children learn to suppress one of the overlapping images to cope, older children and adults frequently face significant psychological and physical challenges. Simple actions, like pouring a drink or playing a sport, can become daunting tasks requiring immense concentration.
Vettorello’s own journey with strabismus began at the tender age of three. Despite undergoing successful surgery at twelve, the memories lingered, prompting her to question how her visual impairment shaped her childhood experiences. Did her struggles in sports stem from her character, or were they a result of her visual challenges? As she revisited her past, she realised the profound impact that strabismus has had on her identity.
Personal Stories: The Emotional Landscape of Strabismus
Vettorello’s project goes beyond her own narrative, weaving in the stories of others who have navigated similar paths. Take Giulia, for instance, who faced unkind remarks from classmates while learning to adapt to her bifocals. Her mother recalls a poignant moment when Giulia, having recently received her new glasses, looked up at the night sky and saw the moon clearly for the first time. This simple revelation illustrates the everyday struggles and joys that accompany strabismus.
The experiences shared by individuals like Vittoria, diagnosed with latent strabismus, highlight the often-overlooked signs of the condition. From reading difficulties to social awkwardness, the repercussions extend far beyond mere vision problems. Vettorello captures these stories with sensitivity and depth, aiming to foster a more profound understanding of how visual divergence can shape one’s existence.
The Search for Identity: Beyond the Physical
*Wandering Star* not only documents the physical aspects of strabismus but also delves into its psychological implications. The title itself references a symbol from a binocular vision test—a star that remains invisible to those who lack binocular vision—serving as a metaphor for the invisible struggles faced by those living with this condition.
The project reveals the transformative nature of perception. For some, like a photographer who embraces her diplopia as integral to her artistic vision, the condition becomes a source of strength rather than a limitation. Vettorello’s exploration is a testament to resilience, showcasing how individuals can redefine their identities in the face of adversity.
Through her work, Vettorello engages with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique relationship to strabismus. From stories of surgical triumphs to reflections on the emotional toll of living with double vision, the project paints a rich tapestry of human experience, urging society to confront its misconceptions about visual impairments.
Why it Matters
*Wandering Star* is more than an artistic endeavour; it is a crucial conversation starter about the realities of living with strabismus and the broader implications of how we see and are seen in society. By amplifying these voices, Vettorello not only challenges the stigma surrounding visual differences but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of those affected. In a world that often prioritises conformity, her work serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty found in our differences and the necessity of empathy in understanding the complexities of human experience.
