In the face of declining print advertising revenue across consumer and b-to-b publishing, Advanstar Communications’ eye health group is bucking the trend by launching Optometry Times, a tabloid-size glossy serving the optometrist market.

“Through our presence in the eyecare market, interaction with our customers, and extensive research, it became apparent there is an inherent need for a superior professional news source for the optometric community,” group publisher Lauri Jorgensen said in a statement. The group also publishes Ophthalmology Times, Ophthalmology Times Europe, and Ophthalmology Times America Latina.

Published in print and digital formats, Optometry Times will include editorial content covering clinical, dispensing, practice management, and subspecialty-based findings, Advanstar says.

Optometry Times will have a controlled circulation of 33,000, including subscribers in Canada, a spokesperson tells FOLIO:. Launching in March 2009, the magazine will publish nine times per year.

Woodland Hills, California-based Advanstar publishes nearly 70 publications and directories, 270 Web sites and digital products, and produces about 150 events.