Objective To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on proliferation and migration in cultured human lens epithelial cell (HLEC). Methods HLEC cultured in a serum-free medium were treated with bFGF (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/L). MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation effect and a FACS machine was used to detect the cell cycle. An in vitro wound healing model was used to detect the migration of HLEC treated with bFGF (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/L) after 24 hours. Results bFGF (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg/L) increased proliferation rates of cultured HLEC with density/time dependence. Compared to the control group, there was a significant difference (P<0.01). The addition of bFGF at a concentration of 100 μg/L for 24 hours was the maximal increase in the proliferation rate (112.78%). bFGF also induced proliferation by stimulating the G0/G1 phase cell decrease and increasing the S phase and G2/M phase. bFGF showed effects on migration of 27.21%, 154.42%, and 238.77% at concentrations of 1 μg/L, 10 μg/L. 100 μg/L, respectively. Compared to the control group, there was a significant difference (P <0.01). Conclusion bFGF can induce the proliferation and obvious migration of HLEC; consequently, bFGF is a mitogen and potent migratory factor for HLEC.