Dr. Mandel has been my eye doctor since I grew up in Pittsfield. I trust my eyes with him (important because I have a very bad prescription) and I still make my appointments with him when I visit my parents even though I live in Boston now. He's got a great "chair side manner" and I never feel like I am being rushed out even if there are other people waiting. I give helpfulness only three stars because the staff seems a little over worked, but that means there's no sales pressure if you're shopping for frames. :-)