diff --git a/skimage/io/__init__.py b/skimage/io/__init__.py
index f6197d63..e888e95c 100644
--- a/skimage/io/__init__.py
+++ b/skimage/io/__init__.py
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ The following plug-ins are available:
 
 """
 
-from _plugins import use as use_plugin
-from _plugins import available as plugins
-from _plugins import info as plugin_info
+from ._plugins import use as use_plugin
+from ._plugins import available as plugins
+from ._plugins import info as plugin_info
 available_plugins = plugins()
 
 for preferred_plugin in ['pil', 'matplotlib', 'qt', 'null']:
@@ -17,11 +17,11 @@ for preferred_plugin in ['pil', 'matplotlib', 'qt', 'null']:
         except ImportError:
             pass
 
-from sift import *
-from collection import *
+from .sift import *
+from .collection import *
 
-from io import *
-from video import *
+from ._io import *
+from .video import *
 
 
 def _update_doc(doc):
diff --git a/skimage/io/io.py b/skimage/io/_io.py
similarity index 100%
rename from skimage/io/io.py
rename to skimage/io/_io.py