My college requested an mds note to permit taking less than 12 credits, because of my visual impairment. do i need a physical appointment for this?

Dr. exam, then note: A doctor can write a note after doing an in-person exam. Generally, doctors do not write notes (such as work-excuse or school-excuse notes, or back-to-work or back-to-school notes) without an exam. That is because a doctor's note is his written, signed, professional opinion, on whether a patient should or can do a particular activity. An in-person exam gives confidence to the doctor's opinion.

Campus office: Best will be probably to try at the campus office. If no such office, one of the free clinics should work as well.