Dr Amira Howari is a globally recognised senior clinical optometrist, Health Industry Keynote Speaker and media commentator, transforming health professionals in their approach to diabetes and eye care as an influential leader and futurist in this space. Dr Howari has taken up a number of roles including Diabetes Australia Ambassador, member of the Diabetes and Endocrine Network at the agency of Clinical Innovation (NSW Health), University of New South Wales guest speaker & clinical supervisor and former Optometry Australia Board Councillor (NSW/ACT). Amira’s qualifications from The University of New South Wales include a Bachelor of Optometry (Honours), Graduate Certificate of Ocular Therapeutics and Masters of Optometry. Dr Howari has worked extensively in corporate, independent and pharmaceutical settings taking on the role of Professional Affairs Associate encompassing clinical and business roles as well as Clinical Professional Affairs with ophthalmology groups in NSW/ACT where she founded the optometry PEACE conference. Dr Howari regularly speaks nationally & internationally on both public and health industry platforms and freelance writes for health industry publications. Having lived with type one diabetes for almost 30 years, co-managed with ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, general practitioners, diabetes nutritionists & educators, her passion in this area has seen Dr Howari venture into educational and proactive roles with a number of institutions and public health sectors. As a media commentator, Dr Howari has also been interviewed regularly in health magazines, print media, radio, on screen and social media globally.

Dr Shannon Lin is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, Fellow of Dietitians Australia and a Credentialed Diabetes Educator with over 20 years of experience in diabetes and nutrition. Shannon is also the Diabetes Course Director/Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She is expanding her work globally as a diabetes education specialist for Life for a Child/Diabetes Australia, supporting healthcare professionals in many developing countries. She holds the distinction of being the first advanced dietitian recognized for her expertise in Indigenous health, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, aged care and diabetes. Her contributions to the diabetes workforce have garnered several accolades, including multiple teaching and research excellence awards in academia and the 2023 University of Technology Sydney Alumni Award. Her leadership and clinical excellence were also recognised when she was awarded the National Credentialed Diabetes Educator of the Year 2023 as well as the ADEA CDE Board Director. Her passion and commitment to improving health inequalities through health professional teaching and specialised clinical nutrition and diabetes care have significantly impacted many people with diabetes or those at risk.