It was a surprise to see my friend’s daughter coming from the ophthalmologist’s office when I went to have my annual vision check. I had never seen her wearing glasses and I asked why she was there.
“Oh,” she said, “Since I got my new job, I’ve been having more and more headaches. I have had to leave work three times in the last month because the headaches were so bad they made me dizzy. I sometimes can’t focus on the computer screen, so I guess I need glasses.”
I knew Jeanine’s new position involved comparative analysis of classified technical data of some sort. Her father, my golfing buddy, was so proud of her promotion: “TWO computer screens!” he had announced at the 19th hole one day. I said to Jeanine, “When did you start getting these vision problems?”
“Oh, about four or five months after I moved to the new office, why?” she replied.
“I wonder if you might be experiencing some difficulties with the lighting in the office. That can lead to problems with eyesight quite quickly in some people,” I said, “Can I see your office? You know, I used to sell light bulbs and I might have some ideas.”
Jeanine made arrangements with her supervisor to get a visitor’s pass. I was escorted into the secure office space by the civilian guard.