Documentary highlights story of Dagbjört Andrésdóttir and cortical visual impairment in Reykjavik

A documentary premiered today, highlighting the story of Dagbjört Andrésdóttir, a woman diagnosed with cortical visual impairment (CVI) at the age of 26. This condition affects the brain’s ability to process visual information, leading to difficulties that are often misunderstood as laziness or clumsiness. Many individuals with CVI remain undiagnosed, facing social challenges due to a lack of awareness surrounding the condition.

“Almost no one has heard of this, and it’s surprisingly common—affecting one in thirty people,” Dagbjört noted during the documentary screening. The film, titled “Acting Normal With CVI,” is directed by Bjarney Lúðvíksdóttir and Elín Sigurðardóttir.

Dr. Gordon Dutton, a leading expert in the field, emphasized that the brain is responsible for vision, not the eyes. “This is a condition where the brain does not process vision correctly. We use at least 40 percent of our brain to create images. We do not see with our eyes but with our brains,” he explained.

Dagbjört shared her personal experience of receiving the diagnosis. “My goodness, it was like a wall had broken away from me. This was not me; it wasn’t laziness or stupidity. This is a physical condition that is quite common,” she expressed.

The documentary aims to raise awareness about CVI and the struggles faced by those who live with it, paving the way for better understanding and support. It will screen again on October 14 at Bíó Paradís.