Abstract: A portable handheld meibomian gland thermal treatment apparatus includes a housing holding a battery and necessary electrical components. A generally rectangular and concave thermal applicator tip terminates the housing, and applies precisely controlled heat to a single eyelid. A bend in the housing enables the apparatus to be held in position with the apparatus extending from the eyelid generally parallel to the ground and then from the bend sloping away from the viewing plane, either down toward the ground or upward away from the ground. As a result, a person may still keep one of the two eyelids on the treatment eye open and see past the housing and supporting hand, thereby simultaneously performing treatment while also performing other tasks. Various embodiments illustrate automatic on and off operation; a telescoping applicator having long-travel application force regulation; and a method of thermally treating meibomian gland dysfunction using the apparatus.