Looking at the Fretboard When Playing

Hello all, I'm new player to the instrument, learning to play some chords and melodies.

I started out of necessity looking at my finger placement on the fretboard  when forming chords or picking notes, but after developing a bit of intuition for where things were, I found I can have some luck at hitting the chord/note cleanly without looking at my fingers.

I find it less successful not looking at the fretboard on dulcimer and playing than I did on the acoustic guitar. Not sure if it the different scale layout or the fact 20 years have passed.

So, thoughts are appreciated on developing this skill or it's relative importance to becoming an accomplished player.

Thanks all.

Dave T