2 files changed, 16 insertions, 1 deletions
diff --git a/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.h b/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.h
index 3201667..1b2cb3f 100644
--- a/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.h
+++ b/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.h
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ public:
 	 */
 	OptionalRef<T> & operator=(T & ref);
 	/**
-	 * \brief Retrieve this reference
+	 * \brief Retrieve this reference (cast)
 	 *
 	 * \returns Internal reference if it is set
 	 *
@@ -33,6 +33,14 @@ public:
 	 */
 	operator T &() const;
 	/**
+	 * \brief Retrieve this reference (member access)
+	 *
+	 * \returns Internal reference if it is set
+	 *
+	 * \throws std::runtime_error if this function is called while the reference it not set
+	 */
+	T * operator->() const;
+	/**
 	 * \brief Check if this reference is not empty
 	 *
 	 * \returns `true` if reference is set, or `false` if it is not
diff --git a/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.hpp b/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.hpp
index 4608c9e..5e36b3a 100644
--- a/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.hpp
+++ b/src/crepe/util/OptionalRef.hpp
@@ -19,6 +19,13 @@ OptionalRef<T>::operator T &() const {
 }
 
 template <typename T>
+T * OptionalRef<T>::operator->() const {
+	if (this->ref == nullptr)
+		throw std::runtime_error("OptionalRef: attempt to dereference nullptr");
+	return this->ref;
+}
+
+template <typename T>
 OptionalRef<T> & OptionalRef<T>::operator=(T & ref) {
 	this->ref = &ref;
 	return *this;