Lia A. Sprague, OD
Optometrist & Dry Eye Specialist
Lia A. Sprague, OD, is an experienced optometrist providing comprehensive eye care with a special focus on dry eye disease, specialty contact lenses, glaucoma care, diabetic eye exams, and urgent eye problems. She is an integral part of the NH Dry Eye Center, where she provides advanced evaluation and treatment for patients with chronic or complex dry eye disease.
Dr. Sprague has particular expertise in advanced dry eye treatments including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), LipiFlow®, and BlephEx®, as well as specialty contact lenses including custom scleral, rigid gas permeable (RGP), hybrid, and soft contact lenses.
Dry Eye Expertise
Dr. Sprague has a special clinical interest in dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Rather than focusing only on temporary symptom relief, a comprehensive dry eye evaluation can help identify factors contributing to a patient's symptoms and guide an individualized treatment plan.
Depending on the cause and severity of dry eye disease, treatment may include at-home therapies, prescription treatments, specialty contact lenses, or advanced in-office procedures.
Dr. Sprague provides advanced dry eye treatments including:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): An in-office treatment that may help patients with dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction and eyelid inflammation.
- LipiFlow®: An FDA-cleared thermal pulsation treatment designed to address blocked or poorly functioning meibomian glands.
- BlephEx®: An in-office eyelid hygiene treatment used to remove debris and buildup along the eyelid margins.
- Scleral lenses: Large-diameter specialty contact lenses that vault over the cornea and maintain a fluid reservoir over the ocular surface. They may provide improved vision and comfort for selected patients with severe dry eye or irregular corneas.
Specialty Contact Lens Care
Dr. Sprague fits a wide range of contact lenses, including conventional and specialty designs. Her contact lens services include:
- Soft contact lenses
- Custom scleral lenses
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses
- Hybrid contact lenses
Specialty lenses can be particularly helpful for patients who have difficulty achieving adequate vision or comfort with conventional contact lenses.
Comprehensive Eye Care
In addition to dry eye and specialty contact lens care, Dr. Sprague provides comprehensive optometric services for adults, including:
Primary Eye Care
Routine and comprehensive eye examinations to evaluate vision, eye health, and changes that may require treatment or additional testing.
Glaucoma Care
Evaluation and ongoing monitoring for patients with glaucoma or those considered at increased risk for developing glaucoma.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye examinations to look for diabetic eye complications, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.
Eye Emergencies
Evaluation of urgent eye concerns such as sudden changes in vision, eye redness, irritation, pain, and other acute symptoms.
Education & Clinical Training
Undergraduate Education
Saint Anselm College
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Cum Laude
Optometry School
The New England College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry, with honors
Clinical Externships
- Manchester VA Hospital — Manchester, New Hampshire
- South Boston Community Health Center — Boston, Massachusetts
- Pediatric, Low Vision & Contact Lens Specialty — The New England Eye Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
Certification
National Board of Examiners in Optometry
Achievements & Honors
- Voted “Top Doctor” by New Hampshire Magazine — 2015 and 2016
- Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society
- RGP Lens Institute Award
- Stanley Smith Scholarship
- Monthe N. Kofos Scholarship
Professional Organizations
- American Optometric Association
- AOA-PAC
- New Hampshire Optometric Association
- Previous co-leader of VOSH
Community Involvement
Dr. Sprague has been active in organizations supporting the New Hampshire community.
She is a member of the Hampstead Lions Club and previously served on the Manchester advisory committee for Future In Sight, formerly known as the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.
About Dr. Lia A. Sprague
Dr. Sprague is originally from Massachusetts and has spent much of her adult life in New Hampshire. She is passionate about providing personalized primary eye care while helping patients manage conditions that can significantly affect their comfort and vision.
A major focus of Dr. Sprague’s practice is the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease. Through the NH Dry Eye Center, she evaluates the underlying causes of dry eye and develops individualized treatment plans based on each patient's symptoms, ocular surface health, tear film, and eyelid gland function.
Her clinical interests also include specialty contact lenses, glaucoma, diabetic eye care, and the evaluation of urgent eye conditions.
When she is away from the office, Dr. Sprague enjoys fitness and traveling with her family.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Lia Sprague
Whether you need a comprehensive eye examination, advanced dry eye evaluation, specialty contact lenses, glaucoma monitoring, or a diabetic eye exam, Dr. Sprague provides personalized eye care based on your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Lia Sprague
What does Dr. Lia Sprague specialize in?
Dr. Sprague is an optometrist with a special clinical focus on dry eye disease and specialty contact lenses. She also provides primary eye care, glaucoma care, diabetic eye exams, and evaluation of urgent eye problems.
Does Dr. Sprague treat dry eye disease?
Yes. Dr. Sprague has a special interest in comprehensive dry eye evaluation and treatment through the NH Dry Eye Center. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the underlying causes and severity of a patient's dry eye.
What dry eye treatments does Dr. Sprague offer?
Dr. Sprague provides advanced dry eye treatment options including IPL, LipiFlow, and BlephEx. Other therapies may be recommended depending on the patient's examination and type of dry eye disease.
Does Dr. Sprague perform IPL for dry eye?
Yes. Dr. Sprague provides Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) as an in-office treatment for appropriately selected patients with dry eye disease, particularly when meibomian gland dysfunction and eyelid inflammation contribute to symptoms.
Does Dr. Sprague provide LipiFlow treatment?
Yes. Dr. Sprague provides LipiFlow thermal pulsation therapy for selected patients with meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye.
Does Dr. Sprague fit scleral contact lenses?
Yes. Dr. Sprague fits custom scleral lenses as well as soft, rigid gas permeable, and hybrid contact lenses. Scleral lenses may be particularly beneficial for selected patients with severe dry eye or irregular corneal conditions.
Does Dr. Sprague see patients for glaucoma?
Yes. Dr. Sprague provides glaucoma evaluation and ongoing care and can coordinate additional ophthalmologic treatment when appropriate.
Does Dr. Sprague perform diabetic eye exams?
Yes. Dr. Sprague performs comprehensive diabetic eye examinations to evaluate for eye complications associated with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy.
Where did Dr. Sprague attend optometry school?
Dr. Sprague earned her Doctor of Optometry degree with honors from The New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts.
Is Dr. Sprague accepting patients for routine eye care as well as dry eye?
Dr. Sprague provides both comprehensive primary eye care and specialized services for patients with dry eye disease and contact lens needs. Contact NH Eye Associates for current scheduling and appointment availability.