Joe Ayling: Blindspot for drivers' vision a deadly risk

Eateries are visited by food safety officers on the lookout for cockroaches, landlords must service properties to avoid gas leaks, and just ask any teacher you know about the rigours of Ofsted.

Optometrists and dispensing opticians are subject to continuous assessment on pain of erasure if they fail to amass the required tally of CET points. Revalidation is the modern way of life for all. But not drivers.

They skip out of the test centre, flinging their L plates in the air, safe in the knowledge they can drive, unchecked, unmonitored and unfettered for as long as they like.

A car has to pass its MOT to be deemed roadworthy but this week’s In Focus shows how a lack of compulsory eye exams for drivers is costing dozens of lives each year.