There is concern waiting lists to see eye doctors at DHBs across the country is impacting patients' vision.

More than 2000 people waiting to see an ophthalmologist this year had to wait 50 percent longer than they should have.

But with a growing number of people requiring the services and staff shortages on the rise, the problem's only going to get worse

Optometrist Ian Russell told Kate Hawkesby there needs to be a more collaborative approach.

"The DHBs are under a lot of pressure with lots of things and that includes eyes, so I think there is work that needs doing between different organisations...we need to work together to try to reduce those waiting lists down."

He said time's a huge factor when it comes to eye health.

"The earlier something is detected, the earlier something is treated, the more likely we can save and preserve peoples' vision."

LISTEN ABOVE AS IAN RUSSELL SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY