diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
index 39d78fbb..1c29e215 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 [matplotlib]
 description = Display or save images using Matplotlib
-provides = imshow, _app_show
+provides = imshow, imread, _app_show
 
diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
index 7fb70da2..f59540c4 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-from matplotlib.pyplot import imshow, show
+from matplotlib.pyplot import imshow, show, imread
 
 def _app_show():
     show()
-