Saf Bassili is a qualified ophthalmic surgeon with more than 20 years experience. He obtained his medical degree with honours in 1977 and began training in ophthalmology in Norwich and Southampton, England, in 1984. He completed his training in Melbourne and then took up Fellowships in the field of Vitreo-Retinal Diseases and Surgery in Melbourne, London and Louisiana State University, USA.

Saf is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. He is also a member of the Specialists Register in the United Kingdom, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists. He has lectured and published in Australia and the USA.Saf has special interest in cataract surgery and medical and surgical retina .

Saf is married and has four children.