A neural network model for the self-organization of ocular dominance and lateral connections from binocular input is presented. The self-organizing process results in a network where (1) afferent weights of each neuron or(cid:173) ganize into smooth hill-shaped receptive fields primarily on one of the reti(cid:173) nas, (2) neurons with common eye preference form connected, intertwined patches, and (3) lateral connections primarily link regions of the same eye preference. Similar self-organization of cortical structures has been ob(cid:173) served experimentally in strabismic kittens. The model shows how pat(cid:173) terned lateral connections in the cortex may develop based on correlated activity and explains why lateral connection patterns follow receptive field properties such as ocular dominance.

For example, in the normal visual cortex, long-range lateral connections link areas with similar orientation preference (Gilbert and Wiesel 1989). Like cortical response properties, the connectivity pattern is highly plastic in early development and can be altered by experience (Katz and Callaway 1992). In a cat that is brought up squint-eyed from birth, the lateral connections link areas with the same ocular dominance instead of orientation (Lowel and Singer 1992). Such patterned lateral connections develop at the same time as the orientation selectivity and ocular dominance itself (Burkhalter et al.1993;

For example, in the normal visual cortex, long-range lateral connections link areas with similar orientation preference (Gilbert and Wiesel 1989). Like cortical response properties, the connectivity pattern is highly plastic in early development and can be altered by experience (Katz and Callaway 1992). In a cat that is brought up squint-eyed from birth, the lateral connections link areas with the same ocular dominance instead of orientation (Lowel and Singer 1992). Such patterned lateral connections develop at the same time as the orientation selectivity and ocular dominance itself (Burkhalter et al.1993;

Like cortical response properties, the connectivitypattern is highly plastic in early developmentand can be altered by experience (Katz and Callaway 1992).