Kerry Gelb, O.D., has been on an eye-opening journey.

“The eye is the most powerful biomarker for systemic health,” he says, which is the basis of his new documentary, “Open Your Eyes,” (head here to register for the premiere on April 29) which takes a closer look at eye exams around the world.

A staunch advocate of optometry, Dr. Gelb is in private practice in New York and New Jersey, the current president and a board member of ALLDocs (the Association of LensCrafters Leaseholding Doctors), and also a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the New Jersey Optometric Society. He’s also an active member on the lecture circuit, speaking on topics such as nutrition related to ocular disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and more.

Here, we serve up 10 quick Q’s for Dr. Gelb.

Your most distinct characteristic?

My unique physical characteristic is my bald head, which I try not to cut shaving. My unique personality characteristic is my empathy for others and my overwhelming will to learn and improve my health and the health of others.

Your optical heroes?

Stuart Richer, O.D., Ph.D.; Murray Fingeret, O.D.; Dorothy Hitchmoth, O.D.; Curt Massengale, O.D.; Steve Silberberg, O.D.; Carl Gaterbaum, O.D.; Bill Fox, O.D.; Dale Stein, O.D.

The song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

“Body Knows Best” —Anya Marina, featured in our documentary, “Open Your Eyes.”

The quality you most value in your friends?

Empathy, passion, compassion, vulnerability. If I had to pick one it would be empathy. I value those who consider what it’s like to walk in the shoes of others.

Your most rewarding professional accomplishment?

Discovering with aid of new technology that microaneurysms correlate with insulin resistance (IR), the etiology of prediabetes and diabetes, and publishing our findings in the journal of Diabesity. Showing that an optometric exam can save millions of lives through early diagnosis.

Most likely to splurge on?

My family and anything to do with baseball.

Most treasured eyewear style in your wardrobe?

My glasses with BluTech lenses.

Podcast in your earbuds?

A David Perlmutter podcast.

The app draining your phone’s battery?

Stitcher.

Best advice for fellow eyecare professionals?

Practice to the highest extent of your license, keep learning and growing professionally, and support the AOA, your local societies, and the great profession of optometry.