Children in Minehead have been urged to 'ditch the devices' as part of a nationwide screen amnesty to promote good eye health.

Rebecca Ruston, of Cranmers Optometrists, has called for better eye care during National Eye Health Week, which runs from September 23 to 29.

The aim is to highlight the importance of eye health and regular eye tests.

She said: "Research shows half of all sight loss is avoidable, so we want to inspire our patients to make some small lifestyle changes that could make a big difference to their vision and eye health.

"One of the main themes of this year’s National Eye Health Week is a screen amnesty at 20.20 – a perfect opportunity for parents to encourage their children to put their screens down for a short time and give their eyes a rest before bedtime.

"Research has shown that spending too long on digital devices can have an adverse impact on eye health.

"We want to keep our young patients seeing better for longer, so reducing screen time can really help with that."

On average, people in the UK spend 35 hours a week staring at a computer screen, with 90 per cent saying they experience screen fatigue, which includes tired or irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and poor colour perception.

Screen users can avoid eye strain by using the 20-20-20 rule: look 20 feet in front of you every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.

Organisers of National Eye Health Week have issued a series of top tips such as eating a balanced diet featuring plenty of fruit, vegetables, and nuts; quitting smoking; regular exercise; and having regular eye exams, with a check-up encouraged at least once every two years.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit Cranmers Optometrists' website.