Abstract
Will we ever be able to repair visual perception following lesions of the primary visual cortex (area V1)? What will be required in order to do so? In this brief talk we will present evidence that early extrastriate cortex can be visually modulated in the absence of area V1 input, and will discuss potential implications for the recovery of visual perception. The macaque functional magnetic resonance model for studying cortical reorganization will be presented in some detail since it is close to human physiology and behavior and is highly versatile for gauging the global effect of pharmacologic or rehabilitative manipulations on neuronal recovery following cortical injury. Recent attempts at rehabilitating human subjects with cortical blindness will also be selectively discussed.