After a long day in front of a screen, many Australians know the feeling of eyes burning, watering, and blurring until even the drive home feels like a challenge.
For Dr Shaina Zheng, an optometrist at Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach, these moments are far more than minor irritations; they're windows into how deeply Dry Eye Disease can affect everyday life. "Persistent eye discomfort can make daily activities, such as driving or reading, more challenging," she says. "Maintaining comfortable vision isn't only about clarity, it also plays a role in overall wellbeing."
Dry Eye Disease affects millions worldwide yet remains one of the most misunderstood conditions in modern eye health. Many sufferers' cycle through countless drops or home remedies without lasting relief.
Dr Zheng believes that's because dry eyes are not just a surface problem, they're a whole-person issue. "Supporting eye comfort can make a real difference to how people feel day-to-day," she explains. "When someone experiences relief from ongoing discomfort, there's often a noticeable lift in their mood and confidence."
Her Gold Coast clinic has become a hub for patients seeking long-term comfort through a blend of empathy, advanced diagnostics, and technology.
At the centre of that approach is InMode's Envision Platform, a medical innovation combining gentle radiofrequency (RF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies to restore natural eyelid gland function and improve tear quality.
Dr Zheng says the Envision Platform has added a valuable option for managing chronic eye discomfort. "This type of treatment is designed to address the underlying glands, rather than only managing surface symptoms," she says. "Many people describe a noticeable sense of relief afterwards, which can make a meaningful difference in their day-to-day comfort."
But for many, the battle isn't only physical. Dr Zheng often sees the emotional weight that comes with chronic eye irritation.
"People often feel frustrated or misunderstood when their eyes are uncomfortable, because it isn't always visible to others," she says. "That ongoing discomfort can take a toll over time. Supporting patients to feel more comfortable and energised again is one of the most rewarding parts of my work."
Across Australia, awareness of Dry Eye Disease remains low, despite its prevalence. That's why InMode Australia and Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach have launched a national education campaign, not just to promote new treatments, but to re-humanise the conversation around dry eyes.
Dennis Cronje, Managing Director of InMode Australia, says the initiative reflects a broader mission. "We're proud to support clinicians like Dr Zheng who lead with both science and compassion," Cronje says. "This campaign is about giving Australians back their comfort and their confidence. The Envision Platform represents a breakthrough in non-invasive care, but it's the empathy and expertise of practitioners that truly make the difference."
As the campaign rolls out nationally, Dr Zheng hopes it will broaden the way Australians think about eye care. "Eye comfort can influence how we feel, work, and interact with others," she says. "Caring for your eyes isn't only about vision. it's also an important part of overall wellbeing".
About us:
About InMode
InMode is a global leader in medical aesthetics, committed to developing innovative technologies that empower practitioners and deliver real results both for business owners and the patients they treat. With a presence in over 80 countries and a reputation for excellence across skin, body, ocular care and wellness platforms, InMode is trusted by top-tier clinics, plastic surgeons, optometrists, dermatologists, and aesthetic professionals around the world.
About Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach
Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach is a patient-focused optometry practice on the Gold Coast led by Dr Shaina Zheng and Jackson Yip. The clinic provides comprehensive eye care services, with a focus on the assessment and management of dry eye disease.
