Visual Processing and Chess

Well, I hate to be conceited and make a topic probably only relevant to me, but here it goes. I was curious if anyone knew how big of a factor visual processing is in being good at chess. I have a 40 point gap in IQ between verbal ability and performance (visual/spatial). I tought myself how to play chess in first grade with a book from the library, so I have always been interested. I was never "good" though so I quickly gave it up. Like so many members of the app generation my ego gets bruised easily so I usually only apply myself to things I am good at. 

I recently found out why I had such a large gap, the answer was not good, and I now have a *lot* of free time and a list of things I always meant to do. Playing a better game of chess is one of those things. 

I have started playing, not on this account, and I do not seem to be improving. I look at the chess board and I can't put it together into one picture in my minds eye so I can reason my next move. To plan ahead I would take forever and would have to make notes about my thoughts, play with the peices, etc. Playing a game with a fischer clock probably won't be happening any time soon. 

I know these things can sometimes be overcome. I was a straight C math student until senior year of high school when I started thinking about math differently. I can't explain to other people what I do when I do higher level math - they don't understand my reasoning and I have a hard time verbalizing it with spoken language. I would almost say there was an element of savantism to it. I wound up graduating with highest honors from engineering school and received a departmental award. 

I was curious if anyone else had a serious visual processing disorder or blindness, and if you learned to play a good game of chess despite it. I am particular curious if any blind players are reading this - how do you think about chess and reason about your moves? 

If this was the wrong place to ask, I apologize. As far as the engineering school thing, I wasn't trying to brag - I was just saying that I know I can sometimes overcome my neurological deficits. I appreciate any feedback whatsoever!

I have a visual processing deficit. Visual processing resides in the brain and not the eyes. I've been playing chess to try to improve it.