In the last 10 years there has been a rekindling of interest in amblyopia; a new understanding of the underlying patho-physiology based in part on new brain imaging methods such as functional MRI, and a massive shift in our thinking about the treatment of amblyopia fueled in part by a number of important clinical trials. Experience- dependent plasticity is closely linked with the development of sensory function. However, there is also growing evidence for plasticity in the adult visual system. This plenary session re-examines the notions of critical period and sensitive period for a variety of visual functions. One critical issue is the extent to which alternative neural structures are recruited to restore these visual functions. Recent experimental and clinical evidence for the rehabilitation of amblyopia will be discussed.