What strange optical illusions could be present at the largest star in the universe, VY Canis Majoris?

Let's say that we could teleport instantly to a comfortable viewing distance of this star in a protective viewing pod. As light takes 8 hours (!) to cross the star's cirference, what would the optical effect be? An ever growing fiery disc, starting as a pinpoint as the light races to the edge of the star? Could the star actually fit in the viewing field of a human from a relatively close point, as it is so mive? And as VY Canis Majoris is relatively cool, could we ever look at it directly without squinting in pain?