Crossword Genius

Dispenser of drams? One article which might replace glasses (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

optician

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'article which might replace glasses' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'dispenser of drams? one' is the wordplay.
'dispenser' becomes 'optic' (UK term for a measurement on a drinks container).
'of drams?' becomes 'i' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'one' becomes 'an' (an apple is one apple).
'optic'+'i'+'an'='OPTICIAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for optician that I've seen before include "Spectacle-maker" , "Maker-seller of spectacles" , "One giving eye test" , "where sharper look sold" , "Prescriber of glasses and contact lenses" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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