• The Drosophila visual system is an emerging model for neural circuit formation. • The visual system is composed of repetitive units that are repeated across neuropiles. • Coordination of patterning is required for the precise formation of circuits. • Different strategies are used for the formation of retinotopic maps across neuropiles. Precise formation of neuronal circuits requires the coordinated development of the different components of the circuit. Here, we review examples of coordination at multiples scales of development in one of the best-studied systems for neural patterning and circuit assembly, the Drosophila visual system, from coordination of gene expression in photoreceptors to the coordinated patterning of the different neuropiles of the optic lobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]