  The visual pathway involves complex networks of cells and regions which
contribute to the encoding and processing of visual information. While some
aspects of visual perception are understood, there are still many unanswered
questions regarding the exact mechanisms of visual encoding and the
organization of visual information along the pathway. This chapter discusses
the importance of visual perception and the challenges associated with
understanding how visual information is encoded and represented in the brain.
Furthermore, this chapter introduces the concept of neuroprostheses: devices
designed to enhance or replace bodily functions, and highlights the importance
of constructing computational models of the visual pathway in the
implementation of such devices. A number of such models, employing the use of
deep learning models, are outlined, and their value to understanding visual
coding and natural vision is discussed.
