Being blind hasn’t stopped Cheshire resident Charlie Collins from having a clear vision of how to lead a successful company and how to help other visually-impaired people. Getting to this point in his life however, was a long, hard road for him to travel. A Cheshire resident since 1970, Collins had his life torn apart by a crippling disease that left him legally blind. Juvenile Macular Degeneration left Collins blind and “shattered” his life as a 13-year-old boy. Collins said he tried to operate as a “sighted person” for years because of his fear of “being different or standing out” and considered himself depressed.

“Self pity is a very comfortable place when you’re in it,” Collins explained. “I know what fear, self pity, and denial can do to somebody.”

Getting through middle school and high school was tough for Collins, as he tried to fit in and “be normal” while having a “crippling fear” of being different. Collins said he never “accepted” who he was and his disability was a deterrent to college. “A lot of kids feel that way,” he said.

Collins worked a few jobs growing up and, while working a landscaping job, he was offered a position as a motorcycle salesman at Willow’s Motorsports in Cheshire. It was at this job that Collins found the confidence to succeed despite his disability. “There are not many people out there that offer others chances,” Collins explained. “I am very grateful for that opportunity.”

With his newfound confidence and an attitude that “anything is possible,” Collins opened up his own store in Cheshire, not selling motorcycles, but selling equipment to help the legally blind and low-vision population. “You have to take risks,” Collins said. “I wanted to open this store, and nothing was going to stop me.”

Vision Dynamics sells a wide array of devices that can help those with vision problems. From hand-held magnifiers to talking computers and oversized playing cards to “Braille Battleship,” Collins’ company looks to help anyone who walks through their door with a need. “It’s wonderful to watch someone who is bummed out or depressed and go ‘wow’,” Collins said. “We help them go to the side of acceptance.” Celebrating its 10th year of success, Collins said he still loves coming to work everyday and “making a difference in people’s lives.” Collins also offers employment to other low-vision people because many legally blind individuals can’t find work or have a fear of working. “I do discriminate a little,” Collins joked. “I say if you’re perfect, get out.”

Collins said it makes for a great work environment and customer interaction because they all can relate in some way or another to people who just lost their vision and the struggle that comes along with it. “I wake up and think how I can help someone today,” Collins said. “Those are the rewards money can’t buy.”

With Vision Dynamics, Collins said he feels like he has a “purpose” and that he was “put on this earth for a reason.” He explained that from his own experience he understands that you “can’t change” your life, but you can “work with it” and make it better, which is his company’s goal. The next 10 years will be even better for Collins. He explained his plans to expand his clientele more into Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Additionally, Collins said he would be “taking his message on the road” to share his success story- overcoming obstacles despite being legally blind. After 10 years, Collins still has the same passion and vision he had a decade ago.

“We try to empower people with low vision with hope and desire to help them lead independent and productive lives,” Collins said. “I want to make a difference in the blind community.”

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