Digby Ormond-Brown is a senior neuropsychologist based at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital in Johannesburg and is the founder of Ormond Neuroscience. His clinical work focuses on the assessment and treatment of brain dysfunction arising from neurological injury, systemic illness, and neuropsychiatric conditions.
He trained in psychology and philosophy and completed postgraduate training in neuropsychology and neuroscience at the University of the Witwatersrand. His training was shaped by senior figures in South African neuropsychology, neuroanatomy and neuroscience, and by early exposure to evolutionary and systems-level approaches to brain function. His academic work has been grounded in a strong neuroscientific framework, with particular attention to brain–behaviour relationships, and psychophysiology. His early research examined attentional dysfunction in autism from psychophysiological and neurochemical perspectives.
Digby’s clinical development was shaped by work in several high-acuity medical environments. He was involved in large-scale epidemiological research on traumatic brain injury in Johannesburg, where he combined statistical analysis with hands-on clinical assessment. This work expanded into clinical neuropsychological assessment of patients with traumatic brain injury and later into neurotoxicology, where he assessed individuals exposed to substances such as organic solvents, organophosphates, mercury, and manganese.
Further clinical experience was gained through work in HIV-related neurocognitive disorders at a major academic hospital, providing exposure to the effects of systemic illness on brain function and daily life. He later ran a hospital-based neuropsychology clinic, contributing to the training of clinical psychologists and allied rehabilitation professionals and working closely within multidisciplinary teams.
Digby has also participated in clinical research and pharmaceutical trials, including studies that contributed to the development of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in the management of dementia. This work reinforced his interest in evidence-based interventions and the cautious interpretation of emerging treatments.
In addition to clinical practice, Digby undertakes medico-legal work and is regularly instructed in personal injury, Road Accident Fund, and medical negligence matters. He acts for both plaintiff and defendant and is known for his independence, objectivity, and methodologically rigorous approach. He has provided expert testimony in the High Court and is experienced in joint minutes and cross-examination.
His work has included specialist assessments for insurance disability claims and for safety-critical professions, including aviation personnel, where cognitive, emotional, and functional integrity are essential.
Digby has a longstanding interest in concussion and acquired brain injury and continues to work closely with rehabilitation teams in this area. His current clinical practice integrates comprehensive neuropsychological assessment with rehabilitation-oriented interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation and adjunctive neuromodulation where clinically appropriate.
Ormond Neuroscience reflects this approach: careful diagnosis, realistic prognosis, and treatment grounded in neurobiology, regulation, and recovery rather than exaggerated claims or quick fixes.
