diff --git a/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue.hpp b/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue.hpp
index 8625231..e01ab62 100644
--- a/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue.hpp
+++ b/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue.hpp
@@ -61,40 +61,15 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         [[nodiscard]] uvalue operator[](std::size_t index) const;
 
         template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() const &&;
+        [[nodiscard]] auto get_as()
+            -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, T&>;
 
         template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T& get_as_ref() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T&& get_as_ref() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] const T& get_as_ref() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] const T&& get_as_ref() const &&;
+        [[nodiscard]] auto get_as() const
+            -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, const T&>;
 
         template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() const &&;
-
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() const &&;
+        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() const noexcept;
 
         friend bool operator<(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r);
         friend bool operator==(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r);
@@ -116,18 +91,3 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         l.swap(r);
     }
 }
-
-namespace meta_hpp
-{
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as(V&& value) -> T;
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as_ref(V&& value) -> detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T>;
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as(V&& value) noexcept;
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref(V&& value) noexcept;
-}
diff --git a/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue/uvalue.hpp b/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue/uvalue.hpp
index 111f258..4fbce14 100644
--- a/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue/uvalue.hpp
+++ b/headers/meta.hpp/meta_uvalue/uvalue.hpp
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .deref = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& v) -> uvalue {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_deref_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::deref_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                        return detail::deref_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value deref traits");
                     }
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .index = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& v, [[maybe_unused]] std::size_t i) -> uvalue {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_index_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::index_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as_ref<Tp>(), i);
+                        return detail::index_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as<Tp>(), i);
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value index traits");
                     }
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .less = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& l, [[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& r) -> bool {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_less_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::less_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as_ref<Tp>(), r.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                        return detail::less_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as<Tp>(), r.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value less traits");
                     }
@@ -210,23 +210,23 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .equals = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& l, [[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& r) -> bool {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_equals_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::equals_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as_ref<Tp>(), r.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                        return detail::equals_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as<Tp>(), r.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value equals traits");
                     }
                 },
 
                 .istream = +[]([[maybe_unused]] std::istream& is, [[maybe_unused]] uvalue& v) -> std::istream& {
-                    if constexpr ( detail::has_istream_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::istream_traits<Tp>{}(is, v.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                    if constexpr ( detail::has_istream_traits<Tp> && !detail::pointer_kind<Tp> ) {
+                        return detail::istream_traits<Tp>{}(is, v.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value istream traits");
                     }
                 },
 
                 .ostream = +[]([[maybe_unused]] std::ostream& os, [[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& v) -> std::ostream& {
-                    if constexpr ( detail::has_ostream_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::ostream_traits<Tp>{}(os, v.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                    if constexpr ( detail::has_ostream_traits<Tp> && !detail::pointer_kind<Tp> ) {
+                        return detail::ostream_traits<Tp>{}(os, v.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value ostream traits");
                     }
@@ -327,106 +327,15 @@ namespace meta_hpp
     }
 
     template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
+    auto uvalue::get_as() -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, T&> {
+        static_assert(std::is_same_v<T, std::decay_t<T>>);
 
-    template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() && {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T& uvalue::get_as_ref() & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T&& uvalue::get_as_ref() && {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    const T& uvalue::get_as_ref() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    const T&& uvalue::get_as_ref() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    //
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() && {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() && {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-}
-
-namespace meta_hpp
-{
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as(V&& value) -> T {
-        using Tp = std::decay_t<T>;
-        static_assert(std::is_constructible_v<T, detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, Tp>>);
-
-        const any_type& from_type = value.get_type();
-        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<Tp>();
+        const any_type& from_type = get_type();
+        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
         if ( from_type == to_type ) {
-            using to_ptr_t = detail::add_cv_t<V, Tp>*;
-            auto to_ptr = static_cast<to_ptr_t>(value.data());
-            return static_cast<T>(*to_ptr);
+            T* to_ptr = static_cast<T*>(data());
+            return *to_ptr;
         }
 
         const auto is_a = [](const any_type& base, const any_type& derived){
@@ -438,12 +347,11 @@ namespace meta_hpp
             const class_type& to_class = to_type.as_class();
             const class_type& from_class = from_type.as_class();
 
-            using to_ptr_t = detail::add_cv_t<V, Tp>*;
-            auto to_ptr = static_cast<to_ptr_t>(detail::pointer_upcast(value.data(), from_class, to_class));
-            return static_cast<T>(*to_ptr);
+            T* to_ptr = static_cast<T*>(detail::pointer_upcast(data(), from_class, to_class));
+            return *to_ptr;
         }
 
-        if constexpr ( std::is_pointer_v<T> ) {
+        if constexpr ( detail::pointer_kind<T> ) {
             if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_nullptr() ) {
                 return static_cast<T>(nullptr);
             }
@@ -459,11 +367,11 @@ namespace meta_hpp
                 const any_type& from_data_type = from_type_ptr.get_data_type();
 
                 if ( to_type_ptr_readonly >= from_type_ptr_readonly ) {
-                    using from_data_ptr_t = detail::add_cv_t<V, void*>*;
-                    auto from_data_ptr = static_cast<from_data_ptr_t>(value.data());
+                    void** from_data_ptr = static_cast<void**>(data());
 
                     if ( to_data_type.is_void() || to_data_type == from_data_type ) {
-                        return static_cast<T>(*from_data_ptr);
+                        void* to_ptr = *from_data_ptr;
+                        return static_cast<T>(to_ptr);
                     }
 
                     if ( is_a(to_data_type, from_data_type) ) {
@@ -480,19 +388,74 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         detail::throw_exception_with("bad value cast");
     }
 
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as_ref(V&& value) -> detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T> {
-        static_assert(!std::is_reference_v<T>);
-        return get_as<detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T>>(std::forward<V>(value));
+    template < typename T >
+    auto uvalue::get_as() const -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, const T&> {
+        static_assert(std::is_same_v<T, std::decay_t<T>>);
+
+        const any_type& from_type = get_type();
+        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<T>();
+
+        if ( from_type == to_type ) {
+            const T* to_ptr = static_cast<const T*>(data());
+            return *to_ptr;
+        }
+
+        const auto is_a = [](const any_type& base, const any_type& derived){
+            return (base == derived)
+                || (base.is_class() && derived.is_class() && base.as_class().is_base_of(derived.as_class()));
+        };
+
+        if ( is_a(to_type, from_type) ) {
+            const class_type& to_class = to_type.as_class();
+            const class_type& from_class = from_type.as_class();
+
+            const T* to_ptr = static_cast<const T*>(detail::pointer_upcast(data(), from_class, to_class));
+            return *to_ptr;
+        }
+
+        if constexpr ( detail::pointer_kind<T> ) {
+            if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_nullptr() ) {
+                return static_cast<T>(nullptr);
+            }
+
+            if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_pointer() ) {
+                const pointer_type& to_type_ptr = to_type.as_pointer();
+                const bool to_type_ptr_readonly = to_type_ptr.get_flags().has(pointer_flags::is_readonly);
+
+                const pointer_type& from_type_ptr = from_type.as_pointer();
+                const bool from_type_ptr_readonly = from_type_ptr.get_flags().has(pointer_flags::is_readonly);
+
+                const any_type& to_data_type = to_type_ptr.get_data_type();
+                const any_type& from_data_type = from_type_ptr.get_data_type();
+
+                if ( to_type_ptr_readonly >= from_type_ptr_readonly ) {
+                    void* const* from_data_ptr = static_cast<void* const*>(data());
+
+                    if ( to_data_type.is_void() || to_data_type == from_data_type ) {
+                        void* to_ptr = *from_data_ptr;
+                        return static_cast<T>(to_ptr);
+                    }
+
+                    if ( is_a(to_data_type, from_data_type) ) {
+                        const class_type& to_data_class = to_data_type.as_class();
+                        const class_type& from_data_class = from_data_type.as_class();
+
+                        void* to_ptr = detail::pointer_upcast(*from_data_ptr, from_data_class, to_data_class);
+                        return static_cast<T>(to_ptr);
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        detail::throw_exception_with("bad value cast");
     }
 
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as(V&& value) noexcept {
-        using Tp = std::decay_t<T>;
-        static_assert(std::is_constructible_v<T, detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, Tp>>);
+    template < typename T >
+    bool uvalue::can_get_as() const noexcept {
+        static_assert(std::is_same_v<T, std::decay_t<T>>);
 
-        const any_type& from_type = value.get_type();
-        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<Tp>();
+        const any_type& from_type = get_type();
+        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
         if ( from_type == to_type ) {
             return true;
@@ -507,7 +470,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
             return true;
         }
 
-        if constexpr ( std::is_pointer_v<T> ) {
+        if constexpr ( detail::pointer_kind<T> ) {
             if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_nullptr() ) {
                 return true;
             }
@@ -532,12 +495,6 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
         return false;
     }
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref(V&& value) noexcept {
-        static_assert(!std::is_reference_v<T>);
-        return can_get_as<detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T>>(std::forward<V>(value));
-    }
 }
 
 namespace meta_hpp
@@ -551,7 +508,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = l.get_type();
         const any_type& r_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
-        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l.get_as_ref<T>() < r);
+        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l.get_as<T>() < r);
     }
 
     template < typename T >
@@ -563,7 +520,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = resolve_type<T>();
         const any_type& r_type = r.get_type();
 
-        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l < r.get_as_ref<T>());
+        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l < r.get_as<T>());
     }
 
     [[nodiscard]] inline bool operator<(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r) {
@@ -593,7 +550,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = l.get_type();
         const any_type& r_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
-        return l_type == r_type && l.get_as_ref<T>() == r;
+        return l_type == r_type && l.get_as<T>() == r;
     }
 
     template < typename T >
@@ -605,7 +562,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = resolve_type<T>();
         const any_type& r_type = r.get_type();
 
-        return l_type == r_type && l == r.get_as_ref<T>();
+        return l_type == r_type && l == r.get_as<T>();
     }
 
     [[nodiscard]] inline bool operator==(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r) {
diff --git a/manuals/meta_examples/uvalue_example.cpp b/manuals/meta_examples/uvalue_example.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..def3347
--- /dev/null
+++ b/manuals/meta_examples/uvalue_example.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+/*******************************************************************************
+ * This file is part of the "https://github.com/blackmatov/meta.hpp"
+ * For conditions of distribution and use, see copyright notice in LICENSE.md
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2022, by Matvey Cherevko (blackmatov@gmail.com)
+ ******************************************************************************/
+
+#include "../meta_manuals.hpp"
+
+namespace
+{
+    class shape {
+    public:
+        shape() = default;
+        shape(const shape&) = default;
+        virtual ~shape() = default;
+
+        virtual int get_area() const = 0;
+    };
+
+    class rectangle : public shape {
+    public:
+        explicit rectangle(int width, int height)
+        : width_{width}
+        , height_{height} {}
+
+        int get_width() const {
+            return width_;
+        }
+
+        int get_height() const {
+            return height_;
+        }
+
+        int get_area() const override {
+            return width_ * height_;
+        }
+    private:
+        int width_{};
+        int height_{};
+    };
+}
+
+TEST_CASE("meta/meta_examples/uvalue") {
+    namespace meta = meta_hpp;
+
+    // 'shape' class type registration
+    meta::class_<shape>()
+        .method_("get_area", &shape::get_area);
+
+    // 'rectangle' class type registration
+    meta::class_<rectangle>()
+        .base_<shape>()
+        .constructor_<int, int>()
+        .method_("get_width", &rectangle::get_width)
+        .method_("get_height", &rectangle::get_height);
+}
+
+TEST_CASE("meta/meta_examples/uvalue/usage") {
+    namespace meta = meta_hpp;
+
+    // the 'uvalue' class allows to store any copyable value inside
+    // it's widely used as return value types and as containers for storing metadata
+
+    meta::uvalue val{42};
+    CHECK(val.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<int>());
+
+    // we can get a reference to the stored data and even change it
+    val.get_as<int>() = 21;
+    CHECK(val.get_as<int>() == 21);
+
+    // uvalue can be copied, assigned, and moved
+    val = rectangle{10, 20};
+    CHECK(val.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<rectangle>());
+
+    // also, it supports upcasting for registered types
+    CHECK(val.get_as<shape>().get_area() == 200);
+
+    // upcasting is supported for pointers too
+    rectangle rect{3, 5};
+    val = &rect;
+    CHECK(val.get_as<shape*>()->get_area() == 15);
+    CHECK(val.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<rectangle*>());
+}
diff --git a/singles/headers/meta.hpp/meta_all.hpp b/singles/headers/meta.hpp/meta_all.hpp
index 51b5bf2..9be1c5c 100644
--- a/singles/headers/meta.hpp/meta_all.hpp
+++ b/singles/headers/meta.hpp/meta_all.hpp
@@ -2263,40 +2263,15 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         [[nodiscard]] uvalue operator[](std::size_t index) const;
 
         template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T get_as() const &&;
+        [[nodiscard]] auto get_as()
+            -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, T&>;
 
         template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T& get_as_ref() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] T&& get_as_ref() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] const T& get_as_ref() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] const T&& get_as_ref() const &&;
+        [[nodiscard]] auto get_as() const
+            -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, const T&>;
 
         template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() const &&;
-
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() &&;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() const &;
-        template < typename T >
-        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref() const &&;
+        [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as() const noexcept;
 
         friend bool operator<(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r);
         friend bool operator==(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r);
@@ -2319,21 +2294,6 @@ namespace meta_hpp
     }
 }
 
-namespace meta_hpp
-{
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as(V&& value) -> T;
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as_ref(V&& value) -> detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T>;
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as(V&& value) noexcept;
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref(V&& value) noexcept;
-}
-
 namespace meta_hpp::detail
 {
     template < typename T >
@@ -8204,7 +8164,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .deref = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& v) -> uvalue {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_deref_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::deref_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                        return detail::deref_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value deref traits");
                     }
@@ -8212,7 +8172,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .index = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& v, [[maybe_unused]] std::size_t i) -> uvalue {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_index_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::index_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as_ref<Tp>(), i);
+                        return detail::index_traits<Tp>{}(v.get_as<Tp>(), i);
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value index traits");
                     }
@@ -8220,7 +8180,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .less = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& l, [[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& r) -> bool {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_less_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::less_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as_ref<Tp>(), r.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                        return detail::less_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as<Tp>(), r.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value less traits");
                     }
@@ -8228,23 +8188,23 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
                 .equals = +[]([[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& l, [[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& r) -> bool {
                     if constexpr ( detail::has_equals_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::equals_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as_ref<Tp>(), r.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                        return detail::equals_traits<Tp>{}(l.get_as<Tp>(), r.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value equals traits");
                     }
                 },
 
                 .istream = +[]([[maybe_unused]] std::istream& is, [[maybe_unused]] uvalue& v) -> std::istream& {
-                    if constexpr ( detail::has_istream_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::istream_traits<Tp>{}(is, v.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                    if constexpr ( detail::has_istream_traits<Tp> && !detail::pointer_kind<Tp> ) {
+                        return detail::istream_traits<Tp>{}(is, v.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value istream traits");
                     }
                 },
 
                 .ostream = +[]([[maybe_unused]] std::ostream& os, [[maybe_unused]] const uvalue& v) -> std::ostream& {
-                    if constexpr ( detail::has_ostream_traits<Tp> ) {
-                        return detail::ostream_traits<Tp>{}(os, v.get_as_ref<Tp>());
+                    if constexpr ( detail::has_ostream_traits<Tp> && !detail::pointer_kind<Tp> ) {
+                        return detail::ostream_traits<Tp>{}(os, v.get_as<Tp>());
                     } else {
                         detail::throw_exception_with("value type doesn't have value ostream traits");
                     }
@@ -8345,106 +8305,15 @@ namespace meta_hpp
     }
 
     template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
+    auto uvalue::get_as() -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, T&> {
+        static_assert(std::is_same_v<T, std::decay_t<T>>);
 
-    template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() && {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T uvalue::get_as() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T& uvalue::get_as_ref() & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    T&& uvalue::get_as_ref() && {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    const T& uvalue::get_as_ref() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    const T&& uvalue::get_as_ref() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    //
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() && {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() && {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() const & {
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(*this);
-    }
-
-    template < typename T >
-    bool uvalue::can_get_as_ref() const && {
-        // NOLINTNEXTLINE(*-move-const-arg)
-        return meta_hpp::can_get_as_ref<T>(std::move(*this));
-    }
-}
-
-namespace meta_hpp
-{
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as(V&& value) -> T {
-        using Tp = std::decay_t<T>;
-        static_assert(std::is_constructible_v<T, detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, Tp>>);
-
-        const any_type& from_type = value.get_type();
-        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<Tp>();
+        const any_type& from_type = get_type();
+        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
         if ( from_type == to_type ) {
-            using to_ptr_t = detail::add_cv_t<V, Tp>*;
-            auto to_ptr = static_cast<to_ptr_t>(value.data());
-            return static_cast<T>(*to_ptr);
+            T* to_ptr = static_cast<T*>(data());
+            return *to_ptr;
         }
 
         const auto is_a = [](const any_type& base, const any_type& derived){
@@ -8456,12 +8325,11 @@ namespace meta_hpp
             const class_type& to_class = to_type.as_class();
             const class_type& from_class = from_type.as_class();
 
-            using to_ptr_t = detail::add_cv_t<V, Tp>*;
-            auto to_ptr = static_cast<to_ptr_t>(detail::pointer_upcast(value.data(), from_class, to_class));
-            return static_cast<T>(*to_ptr);
+            T* to_ptr = static_cast<T*>(detail::pointer_upcast(data(), from_class, to_class));
+            return *to_ptr;
         }
 
-        if constexpr ( std::is_pointer_v<T> ) {
+        if constexpr ( detail::pointer_kind<T> ) {
             if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_nullptr() ) {
                 return static_cast<T>(nullptr);
             }
@@ -8477,11 +8345,11 @@ namespace meta_hpp
                 const any_type& from_data_type = from_type_ptr.get_data_type();
 
                 if ( to_type_ptr_readonly >= from_type_ptr_readonly ) {
-                    using from_data_ptr_t = detail::add_cv_t<V, void*>*;
-                    auto from_data_ptr = static_cast<from_data_ptr_t>(value.data());
+                    void** from_data_ptr = static_cast<void**>(data());
 
                     if ( to_data_type.is_void() || to_data_type == from_data_type ) {
-                        return static_cast<T>(*from_data_ptr);
+                        void* to_ptr = *from_data_ptr;
+                        return static_cast<T>(to_ptr);
                     }
 
                     if ( is_a(to_data_type, from_data_type) ) {
@@ -8498,19 +8366,74 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         detail::throw_exception_with("bad value cast");
     }
 
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] auto get_as_ref(V&& value) -> detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T> {
-        static_assert(!std::is_reference_v<T>);
-        return get_as<detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T>>(std::forward<V>(value));
+    template < typename T >
+    auto uvalue::get_as() const -> std::conditional_t<detail::pointer_kind<T>, T, const T&> {
+        static_assert(std::is_same_v<T, std::decay_t<T>>);
+
+        const any_type& from_type = get_type();
+        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<T>();
+
+        if ( from_type == to_type ) {
+            const T* to_ptr = static_cast<const T*>(data());
+            return *to_ptr;
+        }
+
+        const auto is_a = [](const any_type& base, const any_type& derived){
+            return (base == derived)
+                || (base.is_class() && derived.is_class() && base.as_class().is_base_of(derived.as_class()));
+        };
+
+        if ( is_a(to_type, from_type) ) {
+            const class_type& to_class = to_type.as_class();
+            const class_type& from_class = from_type.as_class();
+
+            const T* to_ptr = static_cast<const T*>(detail::pointer_upcast(data(), from_class, to_class));
+            return *to_ptr;
+        }
+
+        if constexpr ( detail::pointer_kind<T> ) {
+            if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_nullptr() ) {
+                return static_cast<T>(nullptr);
+            }
+
+            if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_pointer() ) {
+                const pointer_type& to_type_ptr = to_type.as_pointer();
+                const bool to_type_ptr_readonly = to_type_ptr.get_flags().has(pointer_flags::is_readonly);
+
+                const pointer_type& from_type_ptr = from_type.as_pointer();
+                const bool from_type_ptr_readonly = from_type_ptr.get_flags().has(pointer_flags::is_readonly);
+
+                const any_type& to_data_type = to_type_ptr.get_data_type();
+                const any_type& from_data_type = from_type_ptr.get_data_type();
+
+                if ( to_type_ptr_readonly >= from_type_ptr_readonly ) {
+                    void* const* from_data_ptr = static_cast<void* const*>(data());
+
+                    if ( to_data_type.is_void() || to_data_type == from_data_type ) {
+                        void* to_ptr = *from_data_ptr;
+                        return static_cast<T>(to_ptr);
+                    }
+
+                    if ( is_a(to_data_type, from_data_type) ) {
+                        const class_type& to_data_class = to_data_type.as_class();
+                        const class_type& from_data_class = from_data_type.as_class();
+
+                        void* to_ptr = detail::pointer_upcast(*from_data_ptr, from_data_class, to_data_class);
+                        return static_cast<T>(to_ptr);
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        detail::throw_exception_with("bad value cast");
     }
 
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as(V&& value) noexcept {
-        using Tp = std::decay_t<T>;
-        static_assert(std::is_constructible_v<T, detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, Tp>>);
+    template < typename T >
+    bool uvalue::can_get_as() const noexcept {
+        static_assert(std::is_same_v<T, std::decay_t<T>>);
 
-        const any_type& from_type = value.get_type();
-        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<Tp>();
+        const any_type& from_type = get_type();
+        const any_type& to_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
         if ( from_type == to_type ) {
             return true;
@@ -8525,7 +8448,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
             return true;
         }
 
-        if constexpr ( std::is_pointer_v<T> ) {
+        if constexpr ( detail::pointer_kind<T> ) {
             if ( to_type.is_pointer() && from_type.is_nullptr() ) {
                 return true;
             }
@@ -8550,12 +8473,6 @@ namespace meta_hpp
 
         return false;
     }
-
-    template < typename T, detail::decay_value_kind V >
-    [[nodiscard]] bool can_get_as_ref(V&& value) noexcept {
-        static_assert(!std::is_reference_v<T>);
-        return can_get_as<detail::add_cvref_t<V&&, T>>(std::forward<V>(value));
-    }
 }
 
 namespace meta_hpp
@@ -8569,7 +8486,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = l.get_type();
         const any_type& r_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
-        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l.get_as_ref<T>() < r);
+        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l.get_as<T>() < r);
     }
 
     template < typename T >
@@ -8581,7 +8498,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = resolve_type<T>();
         const any_type& r_type = r.get_type();
 
-        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l < r.get_as_ref<T>());
+        return (l_type < r_type) || (l_type == r_type && l < r.get_as<T>());
     }
 
     [[nodiscard]] inline bool operator<(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r) {
@@ -8611,7 +8528,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = l.get_type();
         const any_type& r_type = resolve_type<T>();
 
-        return l_type == r_type && l.get_as_ref<T>() == r;
+        return l_type == r_type && l.get_as<T>() == r;
     }
 
     template < typename T >
@@ -8623,7 +8540,7 @@ namespace meta_hpp
         const any_type& l_type = resolve_type<T>();
         const any_type& r_type = r.get_type();
 
-        return l_type == r_type && l == r.get_as_ref<T>();
+        return l_type == r_type && l == r.get_as<T>();
     }
 
     [[nodiscard]] inline bool operator==(const uvalue& l, const uvalue& r) {
diff --git a/untests/meta_features/diamond_tests.cpp b/untests/meta_features/diamond_tests.cpp
index 3800555..b41bfe5 100644
--- a/untests/meta_features/diamond_tests.cpp
+++ b/untests/meta_features/diamond_tests.cpp
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_features/diamond") {
             CHECK_FALSE(a_inst.can_cast_to<D&>());
             CHECK_FALSE(a_inst.can_cast_to<E&>());
 
-            CHECK(&a_inst.cast<A&>() == &a_val.get_as_ref<A>());
+            CHECK(&a_inst.cast<A&>() == &a_val.get_as<A>());
         }
         {
             meta::uvalue b_val{B{}};
@@ -265,10 +265,10 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_features/diamond") {
             CHECK_FALSE(b_inst.can_cast_to<D&>());
             CHECK_FALSE(b_inst.can_cast_to<E&>());
 
-            CHECK(&b_inst.cast<A&>() == &b_val.get_as_ref<B>());
-            CHECK(&b_inst.cast<B&>() == &b_val.get_as_ref<B>());
+            CHECK(&b_inst.cast<A&>() == &b_val.get_as<B>());
+            CHECK(&b_inst.cast<B&>() == &b_val.get_as<B>());
 
-            CHECK(&b_inst.cast<A&>() == &b_val.get_as_ref<B>());
+            CHECK(&b_inst.cast<A&>() == &b_val.get_as<B>());
         }
         {
             meta::uvalue c_val{C{}};
@@ -280,8 +280,8 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_features/diamond") {
             CHECK_FALSE(c_inst.can_cast_to<D&>());
             CHECK_FALSE(c_inst.can_cast_to<E&>());
 
-            CHECK(&c_inst.cast<A&>() == &c_val.get_as_ref<C>());
-            CHECK(&c_inst.cast<C&>() == &c_val.get_as_ref<C>());
+            CHECK(&c_inst.cast<A&>() == &c_val.get_as<C>());
+            CHECK(&c_inst.cast<C&>() == &c_val.get_as<C>());
         }
         {
             meta::uvalue d_val{D{}};
@@ -293,15 +293,15 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_features/diamond") {
             CHECK(d_inst.can_cast_to<D&>());
             CHECK_FALSE(d_inst.can_cast_to<E&>());
 
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<A&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<B&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<C&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<D&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<A&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<B&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<C&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<D&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
 
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<A&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<B&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<C&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
-            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<D&>() == &d_val.get_as_ref<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<A&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<B&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<C&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
+            CHECK(&d_inst.cast<D&>() == &d_val.get_as<D>());
         }
         {
             meta::uvalue e_val{E{}};
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_features/diamond") {
             CHECK_FALSE(e_inst.can_cast_to<D&>());
             CHECK(e_inst.can_cast_to<E&>());
 
-            CHECK(&e_inst.cast<E&>() == &e_val.get_as_ref<E>());
+            CHECK(&e_inst.cast<E&>() == &e_val.get_as<E>());
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/untests/meta_states/ctor_tests.cpp b/untests/meta_states/ctor_tests.cpp
index 7bb6aca..cdc5e1b 100644
--- a/untests/meta_states/ctor_tests.cpp
+++ b/untests/meta_states/ctor_tests.cpp
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_states/ctor") {
             CHECK_FALSE(clazz_type.create(10, 20));
             const meta::uvalue v = clazz_type.create(10);
             CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<clazz<1>>());
-            CHECK(v.get_as_ref<clazz<1>>().i == 10);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<clazz<1>>().i == 10);
 
             CHECK(clazz_type.destroy(nullptr));
             CHECK(clazz_type.destroy(meta::uvalue{nullptr}));
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_states/ctor") {
             CHECK_FALSE(clazz_type.create(10, 20));
             const meta::uvalue v = clazz_type.create(20);
             CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<clazz<2>*>());
-            CHECK(v.get_as_ref<clazz<2>*>()->i == 20);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<clazz<2>*>()->i == 20);
             CHECK(clazz_type.destroy(v));
 
             CHECK(clazz_type.destroy(nullptr));
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_states/ctor") {
             CHECK_FALSE(clazz_type.create(10, 20));
             const meta::uvalue v = clazz_type.create(30);
             CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<std::shared_ptr<clazz<3>>>());
-            CHECK(v.get_as_ref<std::shared_ptr<clazz<3>>>()->i == 30);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<std::shared_ptr<clazz<3>>>()->i == 30);
 
             CHECK(clazz_type.destroy(nullptr));
             CHECK(clazz_type.destroy(meta::uvalue{nullptr}));
diff --git a/untests/meta_states/member_tests.cpp b/untests/meta_states/member_tests.cpp
index 075bac3..5c87403 100644
--- a/untests/meta_states/member_tests.cpp
+++ b/untests/meta_states/member_tests.cpp
@@ -247,14 +247,14 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_states/member") {
             clazz_1 v;
             using ref_t = std::reference_wrapper<std::unique_ptr<int>>;
             CHECK(vm.get(v).get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ref_t>());
-            CHECK(vm.get(v).get_as_ref<ref_t>().get() == v.unique_int_member);
+            CHECK(vm.get(v).get_as<ref_t>().get() == v.unique_int_member);
         }
 
         {
             const clazz_1 v;
             using ref_t = std::reference_wrapper<const std::unique_ptr<int>>;
             CHECK(vm.get(v).get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ref_t>());
-            CHECK(vm.get(v).get_as_ref<ref_t>().get() == v.unique_int_member);
+            CHECK(vm.get(v).get_as<ref_t>().get() == v.unique_int_member);
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/untests/meta_states/variable_tests.cpp b/untests/meta_states/variable_tests.cpp
index e02fad0..f98b37c 100644
--- a/untests/meta_states/variable_tests.cpp
+++ b/untests/meta_states/variable_tests.cpp
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_states/variable") {
 
         using ref_t = std::reference_wrapper<std::unique_ptr<int>>;
         CHECK(vm.get().get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ref_t>());
-        CHECK(vm.get().get_as_ref<ref_t>().get() == clazz_1::unique_int_variable);
+        CHECK(vm.get().get_as<ref_t>().get() == clazz_1::unique_int_variable);
 
         {
             auto nv = std::make_unique<int>(13);
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_states/variable") {
 
         using ref_t = std::reference_wrapper<const std::unique_ptr<int>>;
         CHECK(vm.get().get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ref_t>());
-        CHECK(vm.get().get_as_ref<ref_t>().get() == clazz_1::const_unique_int_variable);
+        CHECK(vm.get().get_as<ref_t>().get() == clazz_1::const_unique_int_variable);
 
         {
             auto nv = std::make_unique<int>(12);
diff --git a/untests/meta_utilities/value2_tests.cpp b/untests/meta_utilities/value2_tests.cpp
index c88ad84..d029645 100644
--- a/untests/meta_utilities/value2_tests.cpp
+++ b/untests/meta_utilities/value2_tests.cpp
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/small") {
             meta::uvalue v2{std::move(v1)};
 
             CHECK_FALSE(v1);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2>().x == 1);
 
             CHECK(ivec2::destructor_counter == 2);
             CHECK(ivec2::move_constructor_counter == 2);
@@ -170,8 +170,8 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/small") {
             meta::uvalue v1{ivec2{1,2}};
             meta::uvalue v2{std::as_const(v1)};
 
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2>().x == 1);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2>().y == 2);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2>().y == 2);
 
             CHECK(ivec2::destructor_counter == 1);
             CHECK(ivec2::move_constructor_counter == 1);
@@ -191,8 +191,8 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/small") {
             CHECK(ivec2::copy_constructor_counter == 0);
 
             v1.swap(v2);
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2>().x == 3);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2>().x == 3);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2>().x == 1);
 
             CHECK(ivec2::destructor_counter == 5);
             CHECK(ivec2::move_constructor_counter == 5);
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/big") {
             meta::uvalue v2{std::move(v1)};
 
             CHECK_FALSE(v1);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2_big>().x == 1);
 
             CHECK(ivec2_big::destructor_counter == 1);
             CHECK(ivec2_big::move_constructor_counter == 1);
@@ -257,8 +257,8 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/big") {
             meta::uvalue v1{ivec2_big{1,2}};
             meta::uvalue v2{std::as_const(v1)};
 
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().x == 1);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().y == 2);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2_big>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2_big>().y == 2);
 
             CHECK(ivec2_big::destructor_counter == 1);
             CHECK(ivec2_big::move_constructor_counter == 1);
@@ -278,8 +278,8 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/big") {
             CHECK(ivec2_big::copy_constructor_counter == 0);
 
             v1.swap(v2);
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().x == 3);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2_big>().x == 3);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2_big>().x == 1);
 
             CHECK(ivec2_big::destructor_counter == 2);
             CHECK(ivec2_big::move_constructor_counter == 2);
@@ -312,7 +312,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/swap") {
             CHECK(ivec2::copy_constructor_counter == 0);
 
             v1.swap(v2);
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2>().x == 1);
             CHECK_FALSE(v2);
 
             CHECK(ivec2::destructor_counter == 2);
@@ -321,7 +321,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/swap") {
 
             v1.swap(v2);
             CHECK_FALSE(v1);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2>().y == 2);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2>().y == 2);
 
             CHECK(ivec2::destructor_counter == 3);
             CHECK(ivec2::move_constructor_counter == 3);
@@ -343,7 +343,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/swap") {
             CHECK(ivec2_big::copy_constructor_counter == 0);
 
             v1.swap(v2);
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().x == 3);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2_big>().x == 3);
             CHECK_FALSE(v2);
 
             CHECK(ivec2_big::destructor_counter == 1);
@@ -352,7 +352,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/swap") {
 
             v1.swap(v2);
             CHECK_FALSE(v1);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().y == 4);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2_big>().y == 4);
 
             CHECK(ivec2_big::destructor_counter == 1);
             CHECK(ivec2_big::move_constructor_counter == 1);
@@ -378,8 +378,8 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/swap") {
             CHECK(ivec2_big::copy_constructor_counter == 0);
 
             v1.swap(v2);
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().x == 3);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2>().x == 1);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2_big>().x == 3);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2>().x == 1);
 
             CHECK(ivec2::destructor_counter == 2);
             CHECK(ivec2::move_constructor_counter == 2);
@@ -390,8 +390,8 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value2/counters/swap") {
             CHECK(ivec2_big::copy_constructor_counter == 0);
 
             v1.swap(v2);
-            CHECK(v1.get_as_ref<ivec2>().y == 2);
-            CHECK(v2.get_as_ref<ivec2_big>().y == 4);
+            CHECK(v1.get_as<ivec2>().y == 2);
+            CHECK(v2.get_as<ivec2_big>().y == 4);
 
             CHECK(ivec2::destructor_counter == 3);
             CHECK(ivec2::move_constructor_counter == 3);
diff --git a/untests/meta_utilities/value4_tests.cpp b/untests/meta_utilities/value4_tests.cpp
index 3764d4e..621e175 100644
--- a/untests/meta_utilities/value4_tests.cpp
+++ b/untests/meta_utilities/value4_tests.cpp
@@ -95,126 +95,63 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value4/get_type") {
     }
 }
 
-TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value4/get_as_ref") {
-    namespace meta = meta_hpp;
-
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>())), derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>())), derived&&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>())), const derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>())), const derived&&>);
-
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<const derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>())), const derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<const derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>())), const derived&&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<const derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>())), const derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<const derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>())), const derived&&>);
-
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<volatile derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>())), volatile derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<volatile derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>())), volatile derived&&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<volatile derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>())), const volatile derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as_ref<volatile derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>())), const volatile derived&&>);
-}
-
 TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value4/get_as") {
     namespace meta = meta_hpp;
 
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>())), derived>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>())), derived>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>())), derived>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>())), derived>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>().get_as<derived>()), derived&>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<derived>()), derived&>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>().get_as<derived>()), const derived&>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<derived>()), const derived&>);
 
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived&>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>())), derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived&>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>())), derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived&>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>())), derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<derived&>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>())), derived&>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>().get_as<derived*>()), derived*>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<derived*>()), derived*>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>().get_as<derived*>()), derived*>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<derived*>()), derived*>);
 
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<const derived&>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>())), const derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<const derived&>(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>())), const derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<const derived&>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>())), const derived&>);
-    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(get_as<const derived&>(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>())), const derived&>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>().get_as<const derived*>()), const derived*>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<const derived*>()), const derived*>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>().get_as<const derived*>()), const derived*>);
+    static_assert(std::is_same_v<decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<const derived*>()), const derived*>);
 
     SUBCASE("derived to derived") {
         {
             meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<derived>(v).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<derived&>(v).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<derived&&>(v).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived&>(v).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<const derived&&>(v).l == 168);
-
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2>(v));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2&>(v));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2&>(v));
+            CHECK(v.get_as<derived>().l == 168);
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = v.get_as<derived2>());
         }
         {
             meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<derived>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<derived&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<derived&&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived&&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2&&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2&&>(std::move(v)));
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<derived>().l == 168);
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(v).get_as<derived2>());
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<derived>(v).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<derived&>(v).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<derived&&>(v).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived&>(v).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<const derived&&>(v).l == 168);
-
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2>(v));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2&>(v));
+            CHECK(v.get_as<derived>().l == 168);
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = v.get_as<derived2>());
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<derived>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<derived&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            // CHECK(get_as<derived&&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived&&>(std::move(v)).l == 168);
-
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2&&>(std::move(v)));
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<derived>().l == 168);
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(v).get_as<derived2>());
         }
     }
 
     SUBCASE("derived to base") {
         {
             meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<base2>(v).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<base2&>(v).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<base2&&>(v).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2&>(v).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<const base2&&>(v).k == 84);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<base2>().k == 84);
         }
         {
             meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<base2>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<base2&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<base2&&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2&&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<base2>().k == 84);
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<base2>(v).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<base2&>(v).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<base2&&>(v).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2&>(v).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<const base2&&>(v).k == 84);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<base2>().k == 84);
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(get_as<base2>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<base2&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            // CHECK(get_as<base2&&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2&&>(std::move(v)).k == 84);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<base2>().k == 84);
         }
     }
 
@@ -222,43 +159,43 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value4/get_as") {
         {
             derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK(get_as<void*>(v) == &d);
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(v) == &d);
-            CHECK(get_as<void*>(std::move(v)) == &d);
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(std::move(v)) == &d);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<void*>() == &d);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const void*>() == &d);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<void*>() == &d);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const void*>() == &d);
         }
         {
             const derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<void*>(v));
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(v) == &d);
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<void*>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(std::move(v)) == &d);
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = v.get_as<void*>());
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const void*>() == &d);
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(v).get_as<void*>());
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const void*>() == &d);
         }
     }
 
     SUBCASE("nullptr") {
         {
             meta::uvalue v{nullptr};
-            CHECK(get_as<void*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<derived*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<void*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<derived*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<derived*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const derived*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<derived*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const derived*>() == nullptr);
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{nullptr};
-            CHECK(get_as<void*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<derived*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(v) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<void*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const void*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<derived*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(std::move(v)) == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<derived*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const derived*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const void*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<derived*>() == nullptr);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const derived*>() == nullptr);
         }
     }
 
@@ -266,34 +203,34 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value4/get_as") {
         {
             derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK(get_as<derived*>(v)->l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(v)->l == 168);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<derived*>()->l == 168);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const derived*>()->l == 168);
 
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2*>(v));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2*>(v));
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = v.get_as<derived2*>());
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = v.get_as<const derived2*>());
         }
         {
             derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK(get_as<derived*>(std::move(v))->l == 168);
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(std::move(v))->l == 168);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<derived*>()->l == 168);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const derived*>()->l == 168);
 
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<derived2*>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2*>(std::move(v)));
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(v).get_as<derived2*>());
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(v).get_as<const derived2*>());
         }
         {
             const derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(v)->l == 168);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const derived*>()->l == 168);
 
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2*>(v));
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = v.get_as<const derived2*>());
         }
         {
             const derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK(get_as<const derived*>(std::move(v))->l == 168);
+            CHECK(std::move(v).get_as<const derived*>()->l == 168);
 
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<const derived2*>(std::move(v)));
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(v).get_as<const derived2*>());
         }
     }
 
@@ -301,15 +238,15 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value4/get_as") {
         {
             derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK(get_as<base2*>(v)->k == 84);
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2*>(v)->k == 84);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<base2*>()->k == 84);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const base2*>()->k == 84);
         }
 
         {
             const derived d{};
             meta::uvalue v{&d};
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = get_as<base2*>(v));
-            CHECK(get_as<const base2*>(v)->k == 84);
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = v.get_as<base2*>());
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const base2*>()->k == 84);
         }
     }
 }
@@ -320,51 +257,23 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value4/can_get_as") {
     SUBCASE("derived to derived") {
         {
             meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(can_get_as<derived>(v));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<derived&>(v));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived&&>(v));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<const derived&>(v));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived&&>(v));
-
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived2>(v));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived2&>(v));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived2&>(v));
+            CHECK(v.can_get_as<derived>());
+            CHECK_FALSE(v.can_get_as<derived2>());
         }
         {
             meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(can_get_as<derived>(std::move(v)));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<derived&&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<const derived&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<const derived&&>(std::move(v)));
-
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived2>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived2&&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived2&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived2&&>(std::move(v)));
+            CHECK(std::move(v).can_get_as<derived>());
+            CHECK_FALSE(std::move(v).can_get_as<derived2>());
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(can_get_as<derived>(v));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived&>(v));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived&&>(v));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<const derived&>(v));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived&&>(v));
-
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived2>(v));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived2&>(v));
+            CHECK(v.can_get_as<derived>());
+            CHECK_FALSE(v.can_get_as<derived2>());
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{derived{}};
-            CHECK(can_get_as<derived>(std::move(v)));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived&>(std::move(v)));
-            // CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived&&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<const derived&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK(can_get_as<const derived&&>(std::move(v)));
-
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<derived2>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived2&>(std::move(v)));
-            CHECK_FALSE(can_get_as<const derived2&&>(std::move(v)));
+            CHECK(std::move(v).can_get_as<derived>());
+            CHECK_FALSE(std::move(v).can_get_as<derived2>());
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/untests/meta_utilities/value_tests.cpp b/untests/meta_utilities/value_tests.cpp
index 0b51666..256a005 100644
--- a/untests/meta_utilities/value_tests.cpp
+++ b/untests/meta_utilities/value_tests.cpp
@@ -105,17 +105,17 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value") {
 
     SUBCASE("cast types") {
         static_assert(std::is_same_v<
-            decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>().get_as_ref<ivec2>()),
+            decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&>().get_as<ivec2>()),
             ivec2&>);
         static_assert(std::is_same_v<
-            decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>().get_as_ref<ivec2>()),
-            ivec2&&>);
+            decltype(std::declval<meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<ivec2>()),
+            ivec2&>);
         static_assert(std::is_same_v<
-            decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>().get_as_ref<ivec2>()),
+            decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&>().get_as<ivec2>()),
             const ivec2&>);
         static_assert(std::is_same_v<
-            decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>().get_as_ref<ivec2>()),
-            const ivec2&&>);
+            decltype(std::declval<const meta::uvalue&&>().get_as<ivec2>()),
+            const ivec2&>);
     }
 
     SUBCASE("ivec2{}") {
@@ -133,13 +133,13 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value") {
             CHECK_FALSE(*val);
             CHECK_FALSE(val[0]);
 
-            CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as_ref<ivec2>());
-            CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as_ref<ivec2>());
+            CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as<ivec2>());
+            CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as<ivec2>());
 
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as_ref<int>());
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<int>());
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as_ref<int>());
-            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<int>());
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as<int>());
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as<int>());
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as<int>());
+            CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<int>());
         }
 
         {
@@ -195,20 +195,20 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value") {
         CHECK(val == ivec2{1,2});
         CHECK(val == meta::uvalue{ivec2{1,2}});
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
 
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec3>());
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as<ivec3>());
     }
 
     SUBCASE("const ivec2&") {
@@ -229,20 +229,20 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value") {
         CHECK(val == ivec2{1,2});
         CHECK(val == meta::uvalue{ivec2{1,2}});
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
 
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec3>());
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as<ivec3>());
     }
 
     SUBCASE("ivec2&&") {
@@ -257,20 +257,20 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value") {
         CHECK(val == ivec2{1,2});
         CHECK(val == meta::uvalue{ivec2{1,2}});
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
 
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec3>());
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as<ivec3>());
     }
 
     SUBCASE("const ivec2&&") {
@@ -285,20 +285,20 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value") {
         CHECK(val == ivec2{1,2});
         CHECK(val == meta::uvalue{ivec2{1,2}});
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
 
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = val.get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(val).get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_THROWS(std::ignore = std::move(std::as_const(val)).get_as<ivec3>());
 
-        CHECK(val.get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as_ref<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
-        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
-        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as_ref<ivec3>());
+        CHECK(val.get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK(std::as_const(val).get_as<ivec2>() == ivec2{1,2});
+        CHECK_FALSE(val.can_get_as<ivec3>());
+        CHECK_FALSE(std::as_const(val).can_get_as<ivec3>());
     }
 
     SUBCASE("value(value&&)") {
@@ -473,7 +473,7 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value") {
             const int* const pi = &i;
             const meta::uvalue v{*meta::uvalue{&pi}};
             CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<const int*>() );
-            CHECK(v.get_as_ref<const int*>() == pi);
+            CHECK(v.get_as<const int*>() == pi);
         }
         {
             int i{42};
@@ -572,23 +572,44 @@ TEST_CASE("meta/meta_utilities/value/functions") {
     namespace meta = meta_hpp;
 
     SUBCASE("add") {
+        {
+            meta::uvalue v{&ivec2::add};
+            CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ivec2&(ivec2::*)(const ivec2&)>());
+            CHECK(v.get_as<decltype(&ivec2::add)>() == &ivec2::add);
+            CHECK((ivec2{1,2}.*(v.get_as<decltype(&ivec2::add)>()))(ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2(4,6));
+        }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{&ivec2::add};
             CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ivec2&(ivec2::*)(const ivec2&)>());
-            CHECK((ivec2{1,2}.*(v.get_as_ref<decltype(&ivec2::add)>()))(ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2(4,6));
+            CHECK(v.get_as<decltype(&ivec2::add)>() == &ivec2::add);
+            CHECK((ivec2{1,2}.*(v.get_as<decltype(&ivec2::add)>()))(ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2(4,6));
         }
     }
 
     SUBCASE("iadd2") {
+        {
+            meta::uvalue v{iadd2};
+            CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ivec2(*)(ivec2, ivec2)>());
+            CHECK(v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>() == &iadd2);
+            CHECK((v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>())(ivec2{1,2}, ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2{4,6});
+        }
+        {
+            meta::uvalue v{&iadd2};
+            CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ivec2(*)(ivec2, ivec2)>());
+            CHECK(v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>() == &iadd2);
+            CHECK((v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>())(ivec2{1,2}, ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2{4,6});
+        }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{iadd2};
             CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ivec2(*)(ivec2, ivec2)>());
-            CHECK((v.get_as_ref<decltype(&iadd2)>())(ivec2{1,2}, ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2{4,6});
+            CHECK(v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>() == &iadd2);
+            CHECK((v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>())(ivec2{1,2}, ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2{4,6});
         }
         {
             const meta::uvalue v{&iadd2};
             CHECK(v.get_type() == meta::resolve_type<ivec2(*)(ivec2, ivec2)>());
-            CHECK((v.get_as_ref<decltype(&iadd2)>())(ivec2{1,2}, ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2{4,6});
+            CHECK(v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>() == &iadd2);
+            CHECK((v.get_as<decltype(&iadd2)>())(ivec2{1,2}, ivec2{3,4}) == ivec2{4,6});
         }
     }
 }