The majority of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration are treated on an outpatient basis and are not therefore within the scope of Hospital Episodes Statistics data. It is for primary care trusts (PCT) to assess locally the number of patients likely to need different types of eye care services and meet those needs. As part of the current review of ophthalmic services, the Department is working with stakeholders to identify ways of supporting PCTs in commissioning eye care services.