MILAN (AP) — The world's largest eyeglass maker has signed a deal with the U.S. department store chain Macy's to open up to 500 LensCrafters optical retail centers inside Macy's.

Macy's and Luxottica already have a deal that has put 670 Sunglass Hut's in Macy's department stores, with the number tripling in the last six years. The companies said in a joint release that the latest deal builds on that "successful relationship."

The first LensCrafters will open at a Macy's location by April, with 100 slated to open by the end of the year.

Luxottica's chief of markets, Adil Khan, said the optical industry "has incredible growth potential in North America."